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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 29 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 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 Sapphire Valley subdivision approved New lights welcome Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary you to Stevensville Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Centercenter 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 that thethe proposed Horse Creek to the such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically studied effects of heavy da, and Missoula, and away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their by Victoria Howell The project represents many ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by 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 thousands of dollars. In addi-amay 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 andtion in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have been because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit the Local business owner to donations from multiple Stevensville at thesupporting Humane Association participatMile and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural to 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 ontoJimmy the Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathie nity members. Other major community by providing youth Edwards had a vision businesses and individuals, and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in BitteraofnationWoodchuck Road east the be drilled deeper. Concernsfor hisResources 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 hometownand of StevensEdwards organized an annual 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 ville. the He (DNRC) over thereasonable. process andbrewfest while the of the Bitterroot Mountains tothededicate rated Mile Fireway District, the Lone cutting ceremony in of new in 2014. such a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. to club wanted to create a come during the Stevensville expand services. Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. including developed by Laura Watson of whole foot easement impacts to other irrigators more welcoming the lack of information about is technically correct that the the west. She said the for the use and Those payRock Park and the Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel aFamfacility, tours of the entrance to Scarecrow Festival, with all proevent 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, orceeds duty to provide The building isarray now home total cost ments come ilygoing Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in an that program the downtown area. Now, after towards thestatutorily building, and of food and huge sense of responsibility tolighting 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 several years of planning and those project. terroot CEO, 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 were many who own programs, the club supports he said. fundraising, the vision has be-make itEdwards said the response as good as 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 come a reality with the instal- the course has been positive. Lois Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization forvery the next 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision lation Judge Michael plication thatvery the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSCseem received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn of lights on theMcMahon pathway “People interested peth, chair ofwithout 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 andand approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke pricespositive from contractors. The The Montana Hope Project. along the Stevensville Cut-off very about the proIt is often said that Mile Community Senior Center board l to r,He Colconducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County thatmembers, criticized the organization counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the Three is proud thatject,”general contractor donated laclub is utilized byseptic local schools, Road,inDNRC. between the Forest Sersaid Edwards. little locally owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss 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 Teller Refuge, Scouts vice property to just past the More lightsSee areCENTER, planned,page due 3 bookstores are aon waning pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then the Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, entrance to spell-bound Fort Owen.as Bitin part to the great response. EdBitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group business. the among in support of thelease. shelter. with a 99-year Six years later, pandemic hit and construction costs others. Sixteen night-sky-friendly wards said another 16 could be 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. As result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive di- and solar lights have been installed installed in athe future, One Book Store, in Hamthere werehopefully some John Bishop, pictured from left, leads a gathering ofHowell. peopleskyrocketed. involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animalfifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land to the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been and are now functional. by fall of next delays year. due ilton, may take exception 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 Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kruse. thethis, current shelter isrelocated. The Hamilton Edwards said he couldn’t Now he has to think about to as they were See TRAP, See SHELTER, page hour period. The event is apage fund-5 pandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 the additional new building replaces an old building have done the project without how to raise funds cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and partictheir vision is that by “outstanding John Dowdmodel Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have the help of a number of local for more lights. said hethe might north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an bytoNathando. Boddy cumstances, having SheHe adds that ipants each work to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people thethe Stevensville businesses and sponsors. He even bring back Scarecrow business,” according to encountered most important donate to theirCity respective Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail especially wantedas towell thank Brewfest, which didn’t happen Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim way to combat the Hamilton Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as TJ been providing Individual community businesses day, March 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do Fite, owner of Remote Power of a this past year. He said he’s also force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people Association. will “medical center” rather than just a also donated to the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, upcoming city projects. at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to shipSystems, a local electrical looking at other funquestions ways to raise 901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask also be celebrating 50 However, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly 12-acre campus will for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more contractor. Fite donated all the the money. presented with Certificate of care” ping depot for FedEx, The new and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. which isversation a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they work to install the solarand lights,Hospital, Anyone interested in donaAppreciation 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. hospital, was recently rated #4by inlove. the which would have beenhave a major ting to the lighting Two physicians Farrenkopf istaking legally justified youphase know and co-owners, and been steps a next lengthy fundof fund 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 expense. He was also apprecan email Jimmy at: browntroutStephen 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 commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his thepresentation meeting,toduring the non-agenda items ciative of the help he got from lm@gmail.com. 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, and Photos two more doctors welcoming of the community toisJenne, Numerous Bald Eagles have been congregating in period, the Burnt Fork area lately totouches feed on carcasses. nities of theput Bitterroot, When it all comes Overstreet TJ Fite (onlong-time tractor), Keegan Fite and Logan with Remote finishing on beloved city clerk, who discussion several the councountywas officials Greg Chilcott “I think that when people see Council on March 15th,Power ChiefSystems, label.ofthe After 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 clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from one of the night-sky-friendly solar lights that now illuminate the walking path into Stevensville. Photo by Jimmy retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s and John Horat, who helped how good the lights look, there Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but have been so successvation inofthe through on its tax collections and Many theBitterroot thatperiod The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet has aparticipants Edwards. During the public comments. withwith necessary permitting. will be even more support.” Hamilton Police Department so in the presence of the hospital she knows that over they ful. Joined by the other showing revenues various projects andkids. programs. spent the night were During tional Forest (BNF) willRoberttoSteinThe Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message forprogram you: of the such council meeting, “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. “become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One is their the party, participants hostslumber afool public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February is hoff stood toNeyenhuis, address the council. He things saidthat council member Jenny “It the He was home for don’t around! the good happen able toWest. uncover to departments say12th. they This are shipand Marisa most while scholarship program, which took part in a “tortilla slap game,” thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. expenses have only or awards three winners who can 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page hosted byan the County Fish anddepartment’s and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” HernearlyDuring that time, ing11 his experiof the paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in amounted of three people allows them display interest in pursuing to share Association informationand Troutence Wildlife Unlimthoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, commondue tactics for and former council member, public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections in large to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion agenda send-from a normal of In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with by John Dowd his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management the second regular of aAt proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in resent the IRS or 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 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. Education puts a heavy precewhich he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate 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, dent on reading skills, math skills 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 was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, theSometimes experiencethey has been On Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who graduated high school in just January 27, town clerk Jenelle and the sciences, but according the Army valley. for 21 years, his and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seeorganizational 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 to social studies is familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to one join educator, theSteinhoff meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in late August he was was no joke. “It fused and unOver the victims that a loved has hurting.” said that 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 semester ofthe college the last administration. In currentfrom Hamilton, was recwhere it’s at.aWes Wells, debutuse wishes similar meetings audience that she 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 partment chair of social studies at that others within the commupublic comment, Crews told ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held in 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, and in 2012 he became Al was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof compLeting nity would help her look out Stevensville High of School, has been 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. 2020. Since then he has 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 holding anDowd elective class for the last Inhas addition to the by John chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly been in the state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on YouTube October was being water Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition into year. During the meeting, it was also taking on the position. the former chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she several years that goes far beyond a opportunity to learn and eachpicious In addition to the the heating custom leathwhen has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, 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 the role. Al will be retiring in August this announced that long-time member, cants must meet tolonger be of eligible was a resident at a local passing understanding the Con-Al nel they had was no about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready 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. AlAllen spoke, Jodi stood to 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 stitution and government. the process of developworking but they had set up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the anycustomgrab thehelp package from a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there gle and triumphs,” said Al. He said the organization’s history. According to him for all his and to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another of these requiretreatment in the boarding to had be to be provided with a ride Wells’ participated in the isage notand a question and answer” ering, from 21 Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, aclass new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould in was meant to be a six-month front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or overarching goal for the Chamber has $60,000 him, what he was only supposed to held speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments is that each applicant started 11the years agoor but couldn’t be last to the bank as well as to colon cancer journey. like,” recalls “We the People” competition, a week’s meeting will covsession. “It’s public comment. ” did the work at no charge to opened at the same location. Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular cash, all of “They always direct ever, members of the public always been to keep businesses connect- appointment to“This the position lasted 12 the pandemic minutes. – has been upgradedthe ber for over 36 years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to this nationwide civics contest that has The day after that Overstreet. er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details thethehad which was to victim to send it, ‘no signature The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had tried to theplays years, andI he enjoyed every moment cussing the hunting “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership been going on foraccess over 40 year. topics: surgery, he was isfrauduwhen realized changeover, itrole will remain ayears. 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 aup Mell, it. “It’s ride 29“This numbers have been “trending every pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not His students competed theUnfortunatestate • Review overall is the first year we’ve ever done fully diagnosed with I was nota good art. After two months ofat 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 level, and won. Now, they are looin while town Greg 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 being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person king at nationals and spoke about also said that they said 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 See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a what it took to get to where they are conversations should beofprepared forsaid some its doors March 1.said mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location now, and what expect onencountered the“interesting • Provide anthey update The new business feature Suzette Smith. See page 2 bank comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. “It hit will Jim Crews, former mayor to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria national stage.leatherwork at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom by Karen Some such cirStaub is Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” The program is run by the CenSee PLAN, page 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants ter Education, “We County Commissioners apwork isCivic grounded in the and Sheridan-style formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by for John Dowd barns, famous artists with On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensville the People: The Citizen and the 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 Constitution” their flagship proging withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floralis patterns. Inthat addition Smith A Hamilton business, 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 ram. It includes a comprehensive 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, Exit Realty in the to some positive growth in the future. sale, the south portion was purchased want to change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, around 4:30 According to Hamilton Police Departcurriculum that spans elementary, 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 middle and high school levels and ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces from furniture to A new the valley. To do 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 covers the history and implementabyVictoria 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 tion of work constitutional democracy inenvelopes toart, put 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 isHowell done her two 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 took 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 the United States. 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 Stevensville “We the People” students Anton Miller, Cole Stuber, Emma McKoy and Jacob Wallace. Photo courtesy Wes Wells. The program culminates in a put valentine cards in kopf, activities director The Stevensville Town CounPark, a 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging trucks, mostly, a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding ATRowner Smart Procedures is a softschools ininvolved the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education programvolunteer Casland, 1st get place individual tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.organization. Just up there and with play.” current of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1 Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer shooting See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf constitutional competition which cil split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the 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, Deslaborate, plan and engage as if they It is taught out of a “We the Peopthey are judged on their responses to (Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will officer. “We have seen tremendous supAtsmall A Time Draft Horse Rescue it costs about $200 per month to feed Homes in Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked takes the form of a mock congressioa piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour there and is a developed fishing access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The aim was Hamilton. However, after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. themselves were testifying before le” textbook, and the contest challeneach one, from which they are questo Willow Creek Road. Due to Management Wildlife Re-that defining old-growth stantreatment areas areVictor. withinOn anSaturday, April 13, the be their first time, and for others The officers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate all Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility in Corvallis, got a nice these “gentle giants.” Then there are asking the community students nal testimony, whereanstudents colStevensville bridge, itemowners that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But I think opportunity it’sled [the piece the to provide a learning toon see the Montana, themeasures organization lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics by Selwyn HackCongress. ges students towill tackle six units, where Neely Center again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the source Objective toland “Maintain dards. Some objections to theSnavely. area designated for insect and resource and financial limitaSee WE THE PEOPLE, page 4 life-saving to the suspect, that support,” said He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost lastForest week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National 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 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 instruction ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year the envethe music. This spring festival always a treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported ambuespecially this during sufficient old-growth habitat disease treatment because of tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this Valenspecial envelopes and other associated costs to rehabilitate presented with a check for $7500 meeting. The land ownership will now nizers, river access pending the outcome of see whatHackett use the land is to the town. “I city have, whether or not you put their substance usetofrom casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One of the ways last year there over 210 Josette andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and were so full will they Thewere project is now is lopes andsee fundraiser 18 bands these one newer band bytimberland the interesting lance to thecounty. hospital. He expired there in history thatdense he believes tine’s Day. decorate them forAmerican each revert to the The 1.52-acre the access dispute. adyliability,” said Gibson. money into developing said Motnot be able to accommodate onWhen suitable to the January 18 deadline pockets of only dead and horses. they’re finally ready from representatives of JCCS, anby Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI it,” 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. to be more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest law en- had 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 said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be driven or there, the necessary support viable populations having tothe dowith with theparticipation ingfor trees. They claim the area will been through their art contest. The even more, full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side from said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. But then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’t ridden, and some just become “pasture located in from Hamilton. Part of contest the logging idea came a similar art all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, the of old growth, new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 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 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 in Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, by John Down first created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark rehabilitation of thelevy road after species. ” side The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the is the incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty onon the west ofestablished the river,and then was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, 50 years. To doRoad. this, they will door tomistletoe some permanent and asked for $9.5According One the problems, ac-a by Michael Howell of trout by raising trout from Hamilton Highinteresting Schools. Since pumps, initial chemicals and ciate water resources, foster One band that to return toof Conroy, the the festival’s issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only thecontinues project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits scope Willow Creek dwarf and 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 to potentially consoltains 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 to Butler, was, “we aseggs that will be released into then, over the last six years, a detailed handbook. The conservation ethic and grow is 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 of itsphone environmental consespruce budwormyears. damage. County objects to in 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 in button, cell batteries (out of feature the beauty of the andto participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” amuch levy, which BVCC said speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1commented Horse At Aavailable Time Germany where she grew up around Many people think Trout local ponds, thanks to the program expanded toMotley, students, under guidance from to understand ecosystems. from Nashville. They beevent joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information isstate at fishing However, these are always aButter, danger of nonprofit organization that offers a pass came up with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, theof owner ofand land channel and the deepest part of the has Vickie 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 Unlimited simply as a fish and the work of Trout Unlimited’s include Florence, Stevensville, their teacher, monitor the waTowards the end of the school 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 side targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly ber, said that nothing had been done at the river ononce the northeast had channel. Ifto you toart develop RDO Equipment Co. to Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed 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 successful art said Hafer, saying that entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, whichSchools, helped the unsure ofThe exactly the College was.” However, there fisheries conservation organizaTrout the Classroom prog- also and Darby High termore. conditions onbeen ahow daily basis year, students release the 16 soula, CorIdaho and event is abut all share the the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot she is especially passionate about getters. The officer is currently on leave neither the norin any comed towards highly motivated people successful organization Denver, attempted to shut off river on income for fishing, I officer, would see aother problem because the access problem had See STEVI, page end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you canRunning save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According in“Crosspurpose.” all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 W. Road secretary, Sue Smith. She was The vote will take place to speak with the process worked. Theyadraft were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it isensure contrary to current law forest resilience to natural tion engaged in many environram. The program was startedwere vallis School, Trapper to that conditions are fingerlings into an approved 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 to ages 18 and older in Wild both and called Itorganization offersMiddle similar and Alliance for the grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per the next glass recycling on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will beinsects the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the organizaMay 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic ofthis creating under impression that theStar misunderstanding about the mental restoration projects. by Trout Unlimited and is offeCreek Job Corps and, year, optimum the health of”the local pond such asday the pond at 4 single stage. tofor Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. disturbances like fire, Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift in November See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed suit claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles thateggs con8th.Additional ing director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA state qualifying events tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community However, Trout Unlimited also red in many states that have Sunni Stuber’s fourth grade trout. As the develop, the Hieronymus Park in Hamilton. free training, Summit offers six-month offered officials also received species are listed in and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks orForest fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to use the best tained food Cardboard recycling will leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, ATR donates thousands inclass prizes. Schools of allmay classifications fortothe Stevensville FFA: ask public for help with a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college. According to also Butler, sponsors some vital and extrecold Locally, at Daly Elementary School students getbe therecycled opportunity According tosaid statecan law, the be mentoring, support and friendship to water is fisheries. broken down into three phases. acre farm which Shinn support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment sources in the Willow forthis a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available formay apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete FFA includAg Sales 2nd place team led bybe a Presenting a stated check $7500 from JCCS to Jasmin Shinn left) 1 Horse At by a from rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She the trustees said that voted inofthe previously high many believe it to mely successful educational the Bitterroot Chapter offor Trout wasphase added the list. seein how eggscan change fish not be released into whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isto RDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stay on, but please remove lids. by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individual community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t comprograms in the schools. Unlimited (BRTU) hosts the BRTU provides each classthe fertilized eggs to a releariver or a stream. All the fish in This program the brainchild of called “personal development,” which taking care ofisdraft horses is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, of cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Stevensville, with team members Kamryn Jones, Office of the Regional Adminbull trout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the levy to first time they went to the the district was able to levy program run by the UniversiAlready this year students program. room with a 55-gallon aquasable fingerling. Along the way the river must be from natural Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. Also pictured is Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and the ply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner of involves aptitude testing to idenanover expensive Last will also betwelve accepted for recycle. Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take form ofand four of the chapters are in $2 theinAfter Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, page vice chair, Jean Butler, give it its best chance and to thebyESTIMATES public, they did after being for community funds. ty of Montana. The reality is 65 •FREE IN THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yproposition. OUR HOME Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof OThe .COM all the Bitterroot valley program was started rium aA chiller to keep the students engage stream reproduction. istrator ofalso the Environmental habitat including meadows, In agrant letter to so the Forest first horse that was rescued 1 Horse At Time. Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch and founder tify what each individual’s specific growth found in the Bitterroot per pound. The following will be acFor more information refer to 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 being significantly voted down are about the life cycle locally in 2020 at Corvallis and water at a constant 53 degrees, habitat studies, learn to apprethe learning center, and co-founder and ExecPaidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 21 ART, page SeeSee SUMMIT, page4 4college cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. See TROUT, page14 2 its kind in the state, and theas oldpublic. a community district twice, wentP.O. back
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
Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good
scheduled
Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds
WE THE PEOPLE: Stevi class wins state
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
Glass recycling BVCC givesabout it onetrout, moretrout college try Kids learn fishing event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance
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