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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume XL, Number Number 52 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, July 2025 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 26, 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, April 10,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Painted Rocks water dropping fast 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 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 changes ty for failing to do the proper The park additional impact on people’s by John Dowd 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 Much of the water thatis26, flows through 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 Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center 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 the of 1947. the Bitterroot Riveratcomes tional last week to nary theOswald subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist MPG heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It andveins running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Senior ing last Wednesday from Painted Rocks Reservoir. Howethe 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 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents close and clearly defined impacts ver, according tothe the Painted Rocks Re- 11 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 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 was started by environment a bunch offar little old by John Dowd ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and away as servoir dam tender, J.R. Iman, thethe dam of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, themajor-spill club also as ago. a This stopped two weeks built just north of functions Last weekend the Bitter Root animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection of Eight ular 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, aof working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit the is a bad omen the state water in tripslimited. Stevensville at for thesupporting Humane Association participatMile Creek Road and Upper road system. Additionally, and some already having to the Department of Natural to analyze the impacts on the Road in Hamilton. The event served a Kathie Butts, President of the president of the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, and has been his bio on the Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this in 2012 their loan nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan the valley for the rest the year. To give See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai ed for the first time inof aofnationWoodchuck Road east the applicant is proposing to be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. It included a ribbon system, and a gorgeous view and incorpopayments contributors were the Three programs such as The Bitterperspective, Iman gave some context. on continuing to al “slumber party” event. The Creek Road and Florence. TheAccording land is honor being a 100-foot by 100were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains tothededicate rated Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. to club The holds around 25,000 expand Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93.reservoir developed by Laura Watson of whole foot easement impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. She said the for the use and Those payRock Park and theservices. Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, including tours of the acre feet of water. This water is held to cost event the “Slumber Pawty,” which “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was benefit of is the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily The building isarray now home total ments come ily of Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in an that program building, and of food and huge responsibility to honor be released into the Bitterroot water opened the shelter to community represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby required information lies with care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. Along their terroot CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honor of thewith organization’s members who participated to stay system, to lengthen the season by an ing company Professional $8,000 to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], the Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are it as were many who own programs, the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus the night with the animals, among extra 40 and days. Asraised per a School. contract with the Consultants Inc. (PCI). Fire District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock When already being helped on the project, and charities has over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the $165,000 for the Shriners and peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. In 1984, noon Saturday and 12 noon Sun-acre gle-family residential use received dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “gotfeet really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The reservoir releases about 15,000 The Hope Project. The ItMontana is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated laclub islocally utilized byand local schools, of water for fish wildlife. In another little owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the shelter animals, wore fundraisingSee campaign to fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts, a walking a playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts contract with in the valley, the bookstores areirrigators aon waning See the CENTER, page 3 pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four years and Triplereleases Creek Ranch, reservoir another 10,000 acre Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. However, the among in support of thelease. shelter. with a 99-year Six years later, pandemic hit and construction others. in the works, costs but folks that own Chapter feetShelters of water.allThis water is toand extend the ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon over the U.S. 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 agricultural season a bitheld longer in the celebrating the opening of the new animal shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael Howell. even out of country the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land to the the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been ilton, may exception valley. Bothtake of these contracts have Hamilton been on Trap delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health project inKristin a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility the property that had housed Sueby McCormack, who serves on Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kruse. the current shelter is located. The to this, asover they were re-isand See TRAP, 5 See SHELTER, page going for 30 years, together hour period. The event apage fundpandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and particbenefit recreationists, growers, and their vision is that by “outstanding John Dowdmodel Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an bytoNathando. Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the ipants each work to raise funds wildlife. to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important donate to theirCity respective shelters. Normally, the highest water Hamilton Councillevel met of TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling victim way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, Individual businesses flow incommunity is in the firstattwo day, seen March 5the to system discuss several there was not much they knew to do force the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is forthan people Association. They will of a “medical center” rather just a also donated to the fundraiser, accessible, upcoming city projects. at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to shipweeks June, and 50 that However, is looking back 901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask questions also beofcelebrating amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly for 90 people years. whenthe theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more over last 75 years. This year, it was with presented Certificate of care” ping depot for FedEx, The new 12-acre campus will and start conyears of Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. isversation a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and Hospital, which about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe with those seen on May 17. Additionally, last year Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeks earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the nic Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know co-owners, and been steps major-spill stopped on July 25. This a lengthy fundand fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the 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, Mara Every year, the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse year,was it stopped on June 19. According invest in all the commucue held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his thepresentation meeting,toduring the non-agenda items In the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoit up, shows the county, ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. to Iman, this isof bad news. practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have been in the Burnt area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well “It’s just an indicator of how much visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but have been so successvation in the Bitterroot through on its tax collections and Many of the participants that water is Bitterroot at the top of our ecosystem,” The NaOverstreet hasthe a other During the public comment period Police comments. Hamilton Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that over they ful. Joined by showing revenues various projects and programs. spent the night were kids. During said Iman, and it means there just is not more tional Forest (BNF) willRobert The Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message for you: of the council meeting, “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. “become vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One such program is their toSteinthe party, participants host afool public meeting aand lotslumber of water up there. Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. is hoff stood to address the council. He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t around! He was home for the good things that happen able to uncover the to say they This are shipMarisa Neyenhuis, most departments while scholarship program, which took part in a “tortilla slap game,” thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March Because of this water shortfall, barexplained 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 and and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” HernearlyDuring that time, ring some substantial rain storms in the ing11 his department’s 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 information Wildlife Association and Troutence Unlimthoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, commondue tactics for next month, the public should consider 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 water use carefully. Regarding rain, to be continuing part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural theappears 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 his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiPainted Rocks Resevoir dam. Star file photo. See WATER, page 2 Climbing 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. which 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, 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 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 and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seeorganizational COUNTY, page 10 seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Fivethat fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in he was was no joke. “It fused and unOver the victims that a loved has hurting.” said he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him that he victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and all of it hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the executive completed a she semester of college the last administration. In currentfrom Hamilton, was recbutuse wishes similar meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Cowboy Ball committee. told that the cancer got I potential felt familiar with of so herbadHe in jail,rewarding.” or that a prize about the track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According tochamRa- course to network. then got onto the board has been “extremely for members, giving their report, director. Al gave a history of the and submitted her transcript that others within the 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 Thorvald “Thor” Ulevog, a resirents. I lived there on their farm for 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 of compLeting nity would help her look out 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 comsomeduring 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 that time that led up to him dent of Sapphire Lutheran Homes nearly four years until my mother associated courses. These are for their safety. At least one Inhas addition to the been in the by John Dowd chines. sus-taking Shoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking “They’re just getting old,” he into said. surgery on October was being water Throughout hehis knew sor for Jodi, My helping her transition year. During the meeting, it wasbecame also on theshould position. the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliin Hamilton, celebrated 100th chutes. stepdad lived just ofthat thetime, potential victims she remarried. opportunity to learn In addition to the custom leathpicious when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down on the heating 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 boarded, or aided what “The story of the Bitterroot Valley 55birthday board members and participated the role. Bozeman Al will be retiring announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local on June 28th, surrounded outside where in weAugust had this 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 Allen 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. Al 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 by family and friends. Following several goats, about 500 chickens, 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 the boarding to of behis had tolife, be provided with a ride isage notand a question and answer” ering, from 21 Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this is the in his own six acres of potatoes, an acre of er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould in story front door when it arrives. the was doing, or overarching goal for the Chamber has $60,000 him, what was to meant to be as a six-month he was only supposed to held speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments iscity that each applicant started 11the years agoor but couldn’t be last the bank well as to colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covwords: strawberries, hay and some other session. “It’s public comment. ” did the work at no charge to opened at the same Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular all of always direct the ever, members of theand public always been to keep businesses connect-cash, appointment to“This the position lasted 12 the pandemic minutes. –“They ber for over 36 that years, spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to has been upgraded this The day after Overstreet. er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there I was June 28, 1925 in vegetables. weit, got rid of the details thethehad which was victimLater to send ‘no signature The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted to who had he tried to access theplays years, andIborn he enjoyed every moment cussing thewas “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership year. topics: surgery, isfrauduwhen realized changeover, itrole willhunting remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being required,’” she adds. Great Falls, Montana. We moved goats and got a couple of cows. SouFred 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 The Town offorStevensville recognized attorney Joan aup Mell, it. “It’s a good ride 29“This numbers have beenever “trending every says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the first year we’ve done fully diagnosed with that Isoon was to notShelby art. After two months of renovations material. ThereFred are 16 artists in total lentlyvery deThe Bank Secrecy Act where my rdough Creek ran right at the end ation. Photo courtesy Upchurch. said” Al. “I’mabound looking forward to year.” However, 2023 the highest See RCFW, page 3questions from the public. ing me and helpingyears,” the town, flags when seniors are center, for filling in while town attorney Gregsaw Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. 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 father Prohibition My of our pasture so I The spent summers being onwas theaother side and agent. partaking,” being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service will provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l to Overstreet, ered windows, Studio opened for“I patience as Jake’s she worked was obviously seriously enough. Staub’s firstwelcoming more. “We like all kinds senior citizen keep track ofr, withdrawals parents were both Canadians from swimming and fishing and winters he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a 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 Saskatchewan, although my father ice skating when I wasn’t helping out sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new “It business feature Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2inbank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. hit will Jim Crews, former mayor to withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. Photo by Victoria Howell. was born Norway. He went on on the place. I had several dogs but at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page 5 by Michael Howell onsite custom leatherwork byPhoto Karen such cirStaub is Covid. by VictoriaSome Howell. SCAMMERS, 2 ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” a mission tomakes gathermy information my constant See companion was apage collie See PLAN, 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one ofpage the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants about smugglers Also, Ithe hadStevensville a few cats, the Ravalli 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, floating membersbooze ofLast the week named ThisBruce. school year, down the Milk River in flat boats. one of whom was named Henry. We proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contests by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force He neveratreturned andofitfourteen was never had enough kids around to Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business,Inthat hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change atthe all,space. andinvestigation. itWhile may lead separated Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a video designed to her leatherwork, Karen is also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the assumed the smugglers found out play organized sports and no smooth from Texas, has been working to en1889, and the contest is still looking agricultural and leadership competito the state level and secured invitaby Since Michael Howell January 2, Exit1st, Realty in the some positive growth in the future. want to change a whole bunch right On Monday, April around 4:30 toAccording to Hamilton Police Depart- sale, the south portion was purchased toCounty help parents keep tabs onbasketball their behavaccomplished creating thatmy “Ravalli objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber tobytions provide courage a love ofPolice artthrough in young people forment participants. Participants must inhim. theirSince yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at children’s state in all twelve about mother was spots play but we did Bitterroot has woodworker, gone some big LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty Kathy Butts, and the north by out of to the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton officers were Steve Snavely, See ART, page 6 ior. a variety of pieces from furniture to in the valley. To do this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th for the next level of competition at the events. always hoping for his return, she play sandlot tackle football without concerning the Draft SEIS for A new record of decision forest products and jobs; and to unmitigated impacts to changes, but in the valley may franchise owners, Tina andinquest Max ColeLendman. When asked how this change will involved in many a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of sojewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships by Victoria Howell year, the2023-24 facility took inthe just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rockdidn’t remarry for a long time, so any safety gear, and also work-up not 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 in April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. venville’s beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will es might affect them. rights thatmain pertained to the Bitterroot in the valley, Realty is still the Lendman said that itand will not change she sent meExit toroads Saskatchewan toequipment ftball when you were out you a venience Store. The Fortunately, engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also heavy the scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most a drag, Draft treatment units. According to all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re going to on it. sold towhere aing new owner Fish, Wildlife signed off The project 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 live with my Norwegian grandpaplayed outfield and gradually worked put valentine cards in kopf, activities director The Stevensville Town CounPark, a 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging trucks, mostly, a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding ATRowner Smart Procedures is a softschools ininvolved the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education programvolunteer Casland, 1st get place individual tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up. Just up there and with play.” current of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot organization. But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1 Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer shooting See EXIT, page your way up to belongs batter again. atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of100th the vate piece now toShinn theKyra state compartments where someone could stash some Thorvald “Thor” Ulevog celebrated his root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed ware design company, now based in participate. Some of the schools even learn about a wide range of agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Des(Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will officer. “We have seen tremendous supAtsmall A Time Draft Horse Rescue it costs about $200 per month to feed Homes in Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked My stepdad went to work up at a piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour there and is a developed fishing access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The aim was birthday on June 28th, surrounded by his Hamilton. However, after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. to Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-that defining old-growth stantreatment withinOn anSaturday, Victor. April 13, the be“gentle theirManagement time, and for others Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate allareas are Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice these giants.” there are asking the community students Stevensville bridge, an that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning opportunity toon see the4 Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Hackfamily. Photo bywill Korin Walterscheid. See 100TH, page Neely Center again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the source Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the area designated for insect and resource and financial limitalife-saving to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost last week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in loveby with the Accordingproud tolopes. theofcontest orga-a time engaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year the the music. This spring festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported ambuespecially this during old-growth habitat disease treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck forof$7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and lopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting lance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motnot be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline dense pockets of dead and dythese horses. When they’re fi nally ready from representatives of JCCS, an Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. 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.Creek To doRoad. this, theynoted will door tomistletoe some permanent and for $9.5According One the problems, acOne band that to asked return toof Conroy, the the festival’s issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely there have only interesting thecontinues project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits scope Willow 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 contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. trated that a“to unique hardship exists by Michael Howell company needs to get a variance from a with could beJohnny used. InCampbell this case, the proposed by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community conversations people,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “wetoasis the Band, visiting purpose is 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 budwormsite damage. County objects to in shifting Bitterroot 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 in button, cell batteries (out of feature theorganization beauty of the andto participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen prevent compliance,” asup required by the county ordinance prohibiting the instalisabout within a mile ofrecycling anwill existing tower is the charm,” levy, which BVCC said speaking was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1commented Horse At Aavailable Time Germany where she grew around from Nashville. They beevent joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information isstate at amuch However, these are always aButter, danger of nonprofit that offers a pass came up with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the owner of land channel and the deepest part of the Vickie Motley, park board memof Stevensville. I think It’s something in general financial burden of the project quences analysis 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, and “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett ordinance in order to grant any excepNeighboring county residents higher up the mountain at the withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Community horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they this time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program 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. “The bottom line for me is 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 tion to the spacing requirement. opposed to the placement of a new cell Grubstake. College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which because helped the unsure ofThe exactly how theshe College was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. event is abut all share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot is especially passionate about getters. The officer is currently on leave neither the norin any comed towards highly motivated people successful organization Denver, attempted to shut off river on for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem the access problem had been See STEVI, pagenot 16 end of the Ravalli now you canRunning save up to bring them contest was the way toShe go. According come in“Crosspurpose.” all forms. District in Montana consists of current twelve Harris The County Commissioners were phone on the west The request for aFairvarian8571 W. Road secretary, Sue Smith. was Theresilience vote will take place to speak with the process worked. Theyadraft were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it isCounty contrary to law forest to natural single-microphone type event, with When asked why he loves bluegrass, that we should at least reach during this investigation, as iswake stanmunity members, were harmed during That check followed inRavalli the horses. She and her husband, a to ages 18tower and older inmountainside both and called Itorganization offers similar and Alliance for the Wild grounds. The is the the same, $1 per the next glass recycling day June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will beinsects the ninth year they schools west ofprice theopposition Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer toMissoula, consider paying for aon thirdof Hamilton may get the third-party rece metAccording stiff and speaking about the May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the 4 single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ”willing disturbances like fire, 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 inorganizaNovember See BLUEGRASS, page out to Vertical Bridge and see Rockies filed suit claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles that exprescon8th.Additional ing director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA state qualifying events party review but did notify the opposing view of the applicant’s data that they are several of the citizens 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 program offered officials also received species are listed in and disease; reduce sedi- say.” concern over impacts to drinks orForest fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to the best what they tained food be recycled Cardboard recycling will leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools of all classifications for the Stevensville FFA: landowners that they had received abe seeking. Thesupport application for aawireless sed the need formay a third-party ask public foruse help with Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college. According to also Butler, mentoring, and friendship to sources is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment in the Willow forthis a (second fee. Anyfrom color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete together in FFA includAg Sales placebelieve team led proposal and cost estimate from aby comcommunication facility permit is being review of the data submitted Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously many it to be whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin 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 pany to do the evaluation at a cost not handled by the telecommunications by the company supposedly community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t com- Commissioner Jeff Burrows Beginning March 9th, batteries This program the brainchild of called “personal development,” which taking care ofisdraft Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, “Allworked ofoftrout cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to with team members Jones, to exceed $6,000 and would be willing service Vertical Bridge. But inisorder to showing that co-locating theirtoAdminOffice of Stevensville, the Regional bull habitat; restore Road. terroot. According tohorses trustee to alter the levy to testing time they iswent to the the district was levy program run Kamryn by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first Also pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable ply with the definition of 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 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. to consider a third-party review if the install the tower at the proposed site on transmitter on the GrubstaSee GOLD, pageis 65 vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance to byESTIMATES public, did after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator of the Environmental habitat including In a they letter to so the Forest first horse thatmeadows, wasand rescued 1 Horse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch and foundergive tify what each individual’s specific growth found the Bitterroot per pound. Thebeing following will bebe acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, ke tower is “scientifically proven to property owned by Matthew and Lindsy lation of a new cell tower if it is located would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of significantly voted down the center, and co-founder and ExecPaid forbe by demonsBrad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 21 See CELL, page14 5 See ART, page SUMMIT, page cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. unfeasible and where it can Durling along Bear Lane, thepublic. within a mile ofSee an existing that4 4college its kind in theBlack state, and theas old a tower community district twice, the trustees 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
Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting
Hamilton man celebrates 100th birthday
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 gives it one college try Cell tower proposal may more get third-party review event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance
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