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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B e h ‘T 37 29 39 XXXIX, Number VolumeXLI, XXXVII, Number 30 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume Number 33 35 Volume XXXIX, Number 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January Wednesday, March 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, 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 ‘Pawty’ Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitterboat Root Humane Association Motor ban being considered Mitchellcenter Slough Three Mile Community Center open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe infor Stevensville
by Victoria by Victoria Howell by Michael Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Howell 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 Ravalli County Eight Mile Creek Company. public safety, to wildlife, and process across the state impacts by handing its the including aoff therapy Montana Fish and Wildthe presentation into other rooms and the Sheep Creek Mine proposal. The event drew over 220 people The Hamilton Trap Club has coming, but the new Three Schmiedeke, the decision In addition to the 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 life Commission is considering 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 aing ban on the use of motorized and lab ceremony, said concerning the Senior last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments expressed concern Waterkeepers and a group ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, gave a presentatation in Darby and contacted him, a resident of the West Fork. He has was attended by people from all over Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the the project. Center (the official name) trap enthusiasts and hunting boats in portions of the BitterBishop 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, soroot River. In the introductory they hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root was started by a bunch of little old by John Dowd ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel the Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the environment as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and as farsuch away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their statement to agricultural its proposal, ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new the facility open of formerly land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), onathe Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. HeFarmers has Helena even into Idaho. This ing contains large meeting they started State and rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the club also functions as a built just north of Montana Department of Last weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofFish, 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 Mark 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 Wildlife and Parks states that 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 Bitteraofnationin recent years has received Woodchuck Road east the be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. It included system, and a itgorgeous view a ribbon andapplicant incorpo- is proposing to payments contributors were the Three programs such as The on continuing to al “slumber party” event. Creek Road and complaints from numerous Florence. The 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. According toThe 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 thataFamthe landowners along tributaries to the west. She said the Those payRock Park and the Rapp members, hundredstours of kids havewhole started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, including of the 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. the Bitterroot River regarding John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and an array of food and huge sense of 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 public jetboating. over the years. Along with their terroot CEO, drink inHealth honor of the organization’s those who have come before us and ” members who participated to stay$8,000 ing company Professional 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. In its memorandum to the make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus the night with the animals, among Consultants Inc. (PCI). Fire 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 raisedstates, over Commission the agency 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 and “FWP views motorized use of chair the McCormack said that the ofwithout was fiSaturday rst organized inuse 1972.SunIn 1984, noon and 12 noon gle-family residential dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a peth, subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Hope Project. The received ItMontana is often said that tributaries to the Bitterroot RiThree Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r,He Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated laclub is utilized by local schools, little locally owned ver between Woodside Crossing 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, a walking path, a playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are a waning See CENTER, page Fishing Access Site (FAS) and pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then the Triple BRHA land on Fairgrounds ground and a covered picnic raised Bitterroot about has the beenCovid-19 four years3 and Creek Ranch, among Road Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-boundhave as Bit-to run business. However, the in support of the shelter. John and Nancy Owen FAS as with a 99-year lease. Six years later, pandemic hit and construction others. 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 being unsafe and potentially skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded 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 damaging totake habitat for native had to take out a mortgage to finish the land to the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been ilton, may exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health project inKristin a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had housed Sueby McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kruse. fish. FWP proposes to close the current shelter is located. The to this, as they were re-is apage See TRAP, 5 See SHELTER, page hour period. The event fundpandemic. She said2 theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 these tributaries for new building replaces an old building shelter since 1984. cently awarded for motorized being raiser for each shelter, and partictheir vision that by “outstanding John Dowd Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have use year-round.” north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an bytoNathando. Boddy cumstances, having She adds thatisthe ipants each workmodel to raise funds Mitchell Slough near Stevensville onahead Bitterroot Springs Ranch. Photo by Michael Howell. to act now, and stay of this.” the Stevensville Under current regulations, business,” according to encountered people most important donate to theirCity respective shelters. Council met Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf said Christine a driving falling victim to mail way to combat the Hamilton Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more the Bitterroot River is closed to Tuesexcept anyStaub, motorized watercraft less“quality, are permitted from Octoheadwaters of theas Darby, Victor andthe Corvallis, as well been providing Individual community businesses day, March 5 to discuss several there was not much they knew to do See BAN, page 2a force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people Association. They will use of any motorized watercraft, of a “medical center” rather than just powered by 20 horsepower or ber 1 through January 31 from Bitterroot River to the also donated toprojects. the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, personalized upcoming city However, at the time, though they may need to was recently As a certified shipto ask also be celebrating 50 amounting to over opened, $10,000 as901 of S. 1st Street, clinic. She also said thatquestions Marcus Daly for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting 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. Hospital, which is a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent the years, theyShoppe Appreciation by Mayor DomiBoxxe versation 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 is legally justified you know and co-owners, and been taking steps a lengthy fund fund bythe Victoria Howell me like a ton of of slumber party, and a barbelier, made it into the opening. After the time. However, at the end of the Police Chief Stephen Snavely. open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating to one of them, Every year, theMara 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 the meeting, during the non-agenda items In his presentation to the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Asso-been up, shows thefacilities. county, ing agency, outitof 351 similar practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have 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 visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with in doing sent home from to Covid, Greg retiring. members weighed in onclinics Steinhoff’s Snavely saidcil that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, but have been successvation inofso the Bitterroot through on its tax collections and Many the participants that The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet has a During the public period 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 and programs. spent night were will kids. During tional Forest (BNF) The Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message for you: of the the council meeting, Robert “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. toStein“become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One such program is their the slumber party, participants host a public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February is hoff stood to address the council. He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t fool around! the good things that happen able to uncover the He was home for to departments say12th. they This are shipand Marisa Neyenhuis, 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 who can Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. expenses have only or awards three winners 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page 11 hosted by the County Fish and and possibly Stevensville as well.” Her ing his department’s experiof the package: nearly paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in During that time, amounted of three people allows them an interest in pursuing todisplay share Association information Wildlife and Trout Unlimthoughts were shared by several other ence with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, common tactics for and former council member, the public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in large to do it all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields related to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called uponsuch Dr.appears Philcouncil members. opportunity. which thethe customer scammers include the budget year, the part to jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural to be continuing when council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft foreston the dangers lip Ramsey toThe speak In discussion agenda send-from a normal of In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly claiming county’s performance have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also thethat chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular of a proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, the first to be brought forward er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing to a 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, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. meeting of the two-member According to Steinhoff, was the issue re-roofing the city intending send a 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 time as the executive director. of theBOOKS, winners to receive aMara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section.that Photo John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate for February of 2021. 51 by is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will betoheld on See page 18 should run. He that “We’ll dobeour job,Al ” 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, became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the it was announced he would check was Savannah Deuter, 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 Sometimes was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, the experiencethey 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 the Army valley. for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 See COUNTY, page 10 seemed conwill tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, the building is used for snow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce introduced by Jodi Mitchell, his daughat 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 he fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in he was wasthe no joke. “Itthat he get involved fused and unOver victims that a loved has hurting.” said heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him people all over the valley,” and all of it hosted a well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the current executive completed a she semester of collegethe last administration. In from Hamilton, wasgot recvictims, butuse wishes similar public meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Cowboy Ball committee. told that the cancer 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 Ra- course to network. thenothers got onto the board has been “extremely for members, giving their report, director. Al gave told a history of thetochamand submitted herin transcript that within the commupublic comment, Crews ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held Freeman said the committee hopes to raise trouble streaming the meetthe 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 roof, which has in the early 90s,nity andwould in 2012 he her became reviewing 2023 andoftalking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof compLeting help look out Al was the executive director until 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rodeo and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for 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. they have planned for the upcoming bers during that time that led up to him associated courses. These are for their safety. At least one2020. Since then he has been the adviIn addition to the by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been in the state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on 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 YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn In addition to the the heating custom leathpicious when now commonly use a getting legitimate seven times already, and each time left will“The cut down on bill and haswhile “They need to be replaced. They’re banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet he was 23, 2021 for ostomy boarded, or what story of the Bitterroot Valley 55 board members and participated the role. Al will be retiring in August this announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet to be eligible aided was a resident at a local nel they had was no longer about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Allen Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready to taxpayers with the billin 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. 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 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 towith him forgrab all his tofrom remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy balland – which actually Another of thesethis requiretreatment in the boarding to history. be to be had provided a ride is notand a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, er’s Mist, a new business has recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page 21$60,000 athing new Facebook page. Hower’s age in or front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or even could overarching goal for the Chamber has him, what was meant to be a six-month he was only supposed to speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments is that each applicant started 11 years ago but couldn’t be held last to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will covsession. “It’s public ” their did work the work no charge opened at the same location. Howevartists havecomment. not shown in at the particular cash, all of to to the position lasted 12 “They always direct the ever, members of the public always been to keep businesses connectappointment minutes. ber for over 36 years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there thethehad which was to victim to send it, ‘no signature The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access the details years, andI he enjoyed every moment cussing thewas “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership year. topics: surgery, is when realized changeover, itrole willhunting remain plays a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being fraudurequired,’” she adds. Fredhe Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associly that would be answering publicly thank Joan for helpThe Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joan aup Mell, of it. “It’s been a good for 29“This numbers have been “trending every she says,ride pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the first year we’ve ever done fully diagnosed with I was not art. After two months of renovations ThereFred are 16 artists in total lentlythat de- town, The 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 ” flags abound when seniors are center, for filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. taking Covid while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from of 1970 requires banks to being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person also said that they said outcomes ofas the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l towill 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 ofr, withdrawals he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should be prepared for some its doors March 1. of mediums,” said Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” said through the issues. Mayorthey’re Steve Gibson, council sudden coming into the members Cindy Brown and The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update 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 Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork byPhoto Karen such cirStaub is Covid. by VictoriaSome Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one ofpage 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 The corner of W. 3rd andon Buck Street in Stevensville, near the Bitterroot Star office, inStevensville February 2025.FFA The completed lack of snow this winter, although making itteams easy to in twelve proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year their FFA fielded 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 get around,In is a cause fortheme thetook longer term. Photo by Victoria Howell. ing withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business, that hailsof concern the isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice the change atthe all,space. and itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the investigation. Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners statedwant National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a secured 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 invitaby Michael Howell Since January 2, Exit Realty in the to some positive growth in the future. sale, the south portion was purchased to change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, around 4:30 According to Hamilton Police Departto 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 year, the2023-24 facility took inthe just under by Howell 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 main beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will a es might affect them. rights that pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Realty is still the equipment Lendman said that itand will not change venience Store. The Fortunately, engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also roads from heavy ing theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most a drag, Draft treatment units. According to Exit Dominic Farrenallmathe doors and then shut off access to Stevensville River highway, because now you’re going to sold to a new Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The project involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC and the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McAdditionally, the county en- Additionally, the drain field would need tobebe. over adding more rooms. Kent the systems work. Kent said Dowd. PaThere are no paid employees; it’s an allJasmin Shinn, founder and The annual Montana Rockies no break from the music, and, “No according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it, the fransame company. accordbyplace John Dowd in. Photo by John after the suspect threatened and standard procedure in these types of kopf, director put valentine cards The activities Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre parkare onwelcome the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging mostly, set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement forces standards based stateAssociation If that happens, the owners may organization. gave an where ifsaid a perlacio spoke on different types of the Bluegrass (MRBA) set-up. Just getexample up there and play.” current owner ofwhether the valley half chise was split between north toon Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1 Horse volunteer But reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting situations. See EXIT, page 12 atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. cil split on to accept just toreally the north of oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about piece 90% of proposed ware design company, now based inFarrenkopf participate. Some of the the private schools even learn about a wide range ofcompartments agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Des(Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will building code. There are also not be allowed to put in a septic son wants to add a fourth room systems and said, “It was a good officer. “We have seen tremendous supAt A Time Draft Horse Rescue it costs about $200 per month to feed In January the Bitterroot Homes inHowever, Hamilton, is moving liked the idea. He asked a small piece of park after land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour - there is aflask developed fishing access drugs orthe hide aand small of whiskey. The aim was Hamilton. to include the contest in their curricutural careers and during Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. to practices Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-site. defining old-growth stantreatment within an Victor. On April 13, the be“gentle theirManagement and for others that The attempted provide port, and we greatly appreciate allareas are specific municipal permits in at all, and they will be stuck. onto atime, three-bedroom presentation and it answered Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot these giants.” there are facility inofficers Corvallis, gotheld a nice Valley Board of Realtors ato asking the community students at schools Stevensville bridge, an item that was and negotiated the adonation of the are going to Saturday, be accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’sThen [the piece on the to provide parents a learning opportunity toresidensee the Montana, the organization owners lum. school day under the dedicated and 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 measures to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was Darby, Stevensville and HamilAnother concern is veterinary thatin ce, should check on hide what lot of questions.” boost last week when she was bills, therapy, training, and to team send his athat and daycares toAccording make National Forest project special “Snap-Shot of the Valconsidered atresidents the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still athey viable piece of land for the various ways which any young person can and have fallen in love with the to the contest orgaengaging instruction of ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year lopes. the music. This spring music festival always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuespecially proud of this during time old-growth habitat disease because of the tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received ton that atreatment people be aware there are in the county their septic system was permitKent explained that there 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 should see what use theenveland is toareas the town. “Iother city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. ley” event for members and the 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 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 of. According to Kent, “A lot of with high ground water where a ted for. Septic systems are based have been a lot of changes in the revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motdense pockets of dead and dynot be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline from representatives of JCCS, an these horses. When they’re fi nally ready Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, community. The event involved 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 emptied more really popular, and from all over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowestasupport law enresident. Then people four years piece, which located adjacent tolast thefew Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson he looked up the ley. “There are many cars out said what she tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, people have started without that said septic cannot be put in,for otherwionmost occupancy, number of years, and therefore accounting fiis rm with branch adoption, can benot driven or there, support viable populations mostly having tothe do with theparticipation ingfor trees. They claim the area the necessary maintenance several presenters speaking been through their art contest. The even more, with full their knowledge to the testfree, as FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands will play for and adon’tIConroy, and his wife, Tari, willdon’t get up 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 said she had a real problem with old minutes and found that the land think it can be used for parking. But then you see. If you don’t see, then you septic permit,” which can, and se the drain field would end up bathrooms. If an owner wants of confusion that has come ridden, and some just become “pasture located in from Hamilton. Partart of contest the lot idea came a similar from all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally sancmembers Zane Deering, Teigen Hackabout changes in local county of old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine during the project, nor the logging of old growth, potennew one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 55,000 acre area of The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to be a police officer.” center opened its doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf tooffered see that tines to fill the enveof the bridge, was togift the Town this piece of land. Trapper “It’s where twoJob was donated theleadership condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 That polluting grouto add another room, and they behind those changes. selection for awarding pets.” See DUI, page 10 they held in Texas right af- impacts These also include Creek tioned careeronand developett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, regulations. ItHouston, wasPolice theFort first by John Down first to be created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first levy was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark rehabilitation of thethe road after species. ” side The letter notes that tial to wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell on bass. and Hamilton Department In all his 26 years with the departTucked away on Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest in the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli County for use as a roads converge, the is incrediit would be maintained and utilized erty on the west of the river, then “A lot of people have started without 1 Horse At A Time was established was online voting and according only have a system permitted nd water. Because Most of these revolve ter the events of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I ment events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, and 50 years. To do this, they will door to some interesting permanent and asked for $9.5 One of the problems, acof a two-part series, with this One band that continues to return According to Conroy, the festival’s issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only and the project is complete. Ravalli the DrafttoSEIS limits the scope Willow Creek Road. dwarf mistletoe just toeast the north of Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access potentially consoltains Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to was astonished, last year, toofhave that To contend at the state Tasia Rohbock. tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from for three rooms, they will need oflevel, these different around it takes “Hopefully, the third need towhat ask the community conversations million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we asispeople,” the Johnny Campbell Band, visiting purpose isits “toenvironmental promote and encourmeeting having about that septic permit,” which can, and has, event andtalked investigation. However, been three of these types shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or not needed in the community. They with of consespruce budworm damage. County objects to shifting National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the Town The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell phone batteries (out of feature theorganization beauty of next the state andto much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank in FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” commented pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time Germany where she grew up around to go though the permitting potential pitfalls, Kent have legally perfrom Nashville. They will be joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information is available at However, these are always a danger of county topics, and the menonprofit that offers a came up with the concept of career mayor Jim Crews, the owner ofand land channel and the deepest part of the Vickie Motley, parkat board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think It’s something Although in general financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have that the gotten people into“Ask trouble. the Bitterroot March 9th, 2024, the phone). This isValley last info so to give back toAugust the community, “We never know what to expect,” the top half, orisbecause above the district Hackett withdrawn in of vote 2020 Bitterroot Community has tried to dostated twice before their recent and Listen” the trustees were Bitterroot Community horses. always been a minute horse was one ofValley the top four bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, andfan, they process again, and potentially mitted system. Kent said, “Idone encourage allShe’s this time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly eting, to be held on March 14, side at the river on the northeast had channel. If you to develop ber, said that nothing had been RDO Equipment Co. 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 art entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee and without success. campaign, which helped the unsure of exactly how the College was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. The event is a all share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot getters. but she is especially passionate about The officer is currently on leave neither the nor any comget a new septic system. ourhad members all said have been --insee Michael Kent, President, Bited towards highly motivated people successful organization Denver, attempted to shut offtoriver access on there for fishing, I officer, would also aother problem because the access problem been andHarris discussing local municipalities. See STEVI, pageto 16 end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you canRunning save up to bring them contest was the way go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve 8571 W. Road secretary, Sue Smith. She was The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it is contrary to current law forest resilience to natural single-microphone type event, with a When asked why he loves bluegrass, during this investigation, as is stanmunity members, were harmed during draft horses. She and her husband, a That check followed in the wake ages 18 andKent, older in Wild both Ravalli and called “Crosspurpose.” It offers similar andMichael Alliance for the Any member of the public some misunderstanthe public, get to the president of terroot Valley Board ofcreating Realtors next glass recycling day on June grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of under impression that theStar misunderstanding about the 4 single stage. toregulations.” Mike Con“We realize old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances like fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to Stevens. ofdard aBitterroot $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember military retiree, and their two children See BLUEGRASS, page can ask for a these compliance check dings, even among Rockies filed suit claiming the Valley Board ofthe 8th.Additional gallon. Jars and bottles that coning director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA 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 The six-month offered officials alsosaid received species are time. listed in and disease; reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks orForest fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and at bought a 20of their system Kent local realtors, about Kent the for the 406-549-4171 agency failed to the best Realtors, spoke onuse the presenCardboard will be tained food be recycled leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools of allmay classifications Stevensville FFA:any ask public for help with a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler, mentoring, support and friendship to is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip the Forest butfor itled county owned and maintained mentwanted sources inhold Willow said there isPlan, nobelieve cost this, and how these work. regulations were tations given inbeen January, anda available for apeople fee. for a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available science in managing reception has This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales 2nd place team bybe Presenting a the check for $7500 from JCCS to Jasmin Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by rare opportunity to incredible. create and to true.” She the trustees said that this voted inofpreviously aStrobel high many itis tonot whoever walks through their doors. Stevens stated that thegiving first phase ispeople RDOequipment.com money but, according to Shinn, about 20Sponsored horses. She currently generally what will happen is According to Kent, part of has, gotten into trouble. updated July 2021and are 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 encouraged the public to attend 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: which Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat andisdidn’t comThis program the brainchild of called “personal development,” taking care of draft is “All the Ravalli County Environmenthis comes from the fact that In these cases, the drain available Ravalli County Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, ofof cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Stevensville, with team members Kamryn Jones, Office of on the Regional bull trout habitat; restore Road. the next meeting, even ifof they terroot. According tohorses trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time theyoften to the the district was toAdminlevy program run by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first Also pictured iswent Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable ply with the definition old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude to idenan expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page there are no building permits field is the big concern. Kent Environmental Health website, tal Health office will go back 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, page vice chair, Jean Butler, this give it its best chance and to public, they did so after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality is 65 •FREE ESTIMATES IN THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Y OUR H OME I MPROVEMENT C O . COM missed the first. istrator of the Environmental habitat including meadows, In a letter to the Forest horse thateach was rescued by 1 Horse At A Time. Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fortfound Owenin Ranch and founder of firsttify what individual’s specific growth the Bitterroot per pound. Thebeing following will be to acFor into morethe information refercheck, to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, given out by Ravalli County. said the tank can be just about for anyone looking get more paperwork and would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of significantly voted down According to Kent, the first the center, and co-founder and ExecPaidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page 21 ART, page 4 4college SeeSee SUMMIT, page cepted: lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, 14 have included themes such as oldpublic. and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and the aanywhere, community district twice, wentP.O. back However, the county does but the drain fieldalkaline, familiar with them. while assessing what thepage owners to speak was John Palacio, with require septic permits, which has specific limitations. Kent Another topic during the currently have installed. Ravalli County Environmental are issued by Ravalli County gave the example where people presentation in January, accorKent said any property consHealth. His presentation coveEnvironmental Health. sometimes build a house where ding to Kent, was the concern red septic regulations and how See LAND, page 2
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
WHERE’S THE SNOW?scheduled Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good
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 Butterfly on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday Board of Realtors sponsors county land regs series
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