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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 35 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 9, 2022 Wednesday, January 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2, April26, 10,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Montana Distillery closing their center doors Three Mile Community Center open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ by Victoria
Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com
speech, occupa-
by Victoria Howell shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical by Dowd across the country havety also struggling. “We are Howell by John Michael Howell andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major forbeen failing to do the proper by Kristin Kruse Thechanges park additional impact on people’s not the only ones,” said Hlebichuk, citing oppressive 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 Montana Distillery owners Mark Hlebichuk regulations. 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 and Sharie McDonald are sad toDr. announce that their According to Hlebichuk, in Montana ato distillery Commissioners gave condiAccording toon thewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties other On Monday, February 26, people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. “It was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by the been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell andonly cut thetwo ribbon at last week’s business of over 10 years will its doors. tasting room can ounces per customer per tional last week to be closing 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 really asell good turnout,” said Oswald. It and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan to finish Three Mile Community Senior Valley since 1947. A place for and lab services. ceremony, said concerning the ing last Wednesday Once one of the oldest distilleries in the state, the day. However, according to John Rudow, an employee 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 organization’s 50 years ofthem service, “It An open house celebration was current owners bought thethe business in 2011.11 Before assistant master distiller, what saves is that 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 tion in partnership with asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and and inliving school Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east sideRavalli community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sothem, it was known as Flathead Distillery. Hlebichuk it is a different kind of experience for the customer. they hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root was started by a bunch of little old by John Dowd ment on a 49.22-acre parcel the Florence-Carlton School existing wells in the area that the proposed Horse Creek to the environment such as complex that will be County Fish Wildlife Association RCFWA. The event was co-sponsored specifically studied the effects of heavy da, and Missoula, and as far away as of Lonecompete Rockand Park. The center board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, and honebuildtheir and McDonald officially reopened itDistrict in Missoula in Bitterroot He and Hlebichuk explained that they have seen aamay ladies inand 1972 andinto it’s still run by Humane Association’s (BRHA) the facility open of formerly agricultural land and 264 new vehicalready experiencing a Hills in subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on Sheep Creek by the chapter are of Trout Unmetal contamination rivers. HeFarmers has Helena even Idaho. This ing contains athe large meeting they started State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also functions as Mine a new built just of 2014. They camelocated to Stevensville during COVID-19 bedifferent crowd thanbeen the general bar goers and many Last weekend the Bitter animal on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular tripslimited. per day to the local lowering of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, Ramsey, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit supporting the Stevensville at the cause, according to Hlebichuk, it was difficult for them come for a more laid back encounter. The Montana Humane Association participatMile and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in Hamilton. The event served Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page corner of Kootenai to stay open in and during the panDistillery’s setting is more of“This a “chill” experience, with19 ed for the first time in Bitteraof nationWoodchuck Road east the applicant is proposing to be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, organization has double purpose. included a ribbon system, and a Missoula gorgeous viewoperate and incorpopayments contributors were the Three programs such as It The on continuing to demic. “We had toMountains move orThe goof out of business,” said more staff interaction, learning about thethe process and al “slumber party” event. Creek Road and Florence. The land is honor being a 100-foot by 100were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. process and such while of the Bitterroot to rated Mile Fire District, the Lone cutting ceremony in thededicate new in 2014. come a“Thus, long way since itCounty was root Blasters. According to club expand services. Hlebichuk. They opened in Stevensville on Christmas, the product. Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. including developed by Lauratours 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 the Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, of the 2020, and have never looked back. benefit Montana Distillery’s lastprovide week starts Wednesevent the “Slumber Pawty,” which “We’re bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was of is the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantityThe and quality, or duty to the statutorily The building isarray now home total cost ments come ily of Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in an that program building, and of food and huge sense responsibility to honor Their ginshelter and vodka are highly rated across the day March 12, and will go until Saturday, March 15.with” opened the to community represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby required information lies care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. Along with their terroot CEO, those who haveto come before us andthe drink inHealth honor of the organization’s world and they have won awards in$8,000 everything They will bethat open from 3 p.m. 8[the p.m. And during members who participated to stay ing company Professional to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch developer], the Weekend Backpack Program lynearly $500,000. taxes are were many volunteers who own programs, the club supports he said. make it as good as it can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus they entered, which the owners andFire staffDistrict. say is unweek there willbeing be salesCounty of 40% on off merchandise and the night with theraised animals, among Consultants Inc. (PCI). Creek. In his ruling, District Court is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already helped the project, and charities and has over Hedgeby John Dowd The non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” heard of.private Recently, they were awarded 2024’s best in 20%McMahon off bottles. Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, multiple categories in Distinctly Montana Magazine, The staff also means for this week to be a way to let noon Saturday and 12 noon The Sun- received gle-family residential use dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Hope Project. ItMontana is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the including best distillery, best tasting room, best cockpeople know they are closing and to “give everyone day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with systems comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennisowned and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donatedalaclub isindividual utilized byseptic local schools, public little locally leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the tail bar, best vodka, best gin, best vodka, best whiskey. chance to say goodbye,” said Hlebichuk. They plan to14 See SAPPHIRE, page with the shelter animals, wore fundraising campaign fund the new granddaughter of Marcus Daly, gave saidto this project courts,Wildlife a walking path,Boy a playthey didn’t Teller Refuge, Scouts group had bookstores are aon waning Seeup CENTER, page 3 They took six out of eight categories, nearlyabout clean- new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell.close down therun website, but will keep the Facebook pajamas, played games and more construction but then the Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised have to has been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. the among ing-house. so people can continue tohit follow According to in support of thelease. shelter. with a 99-year Six years later, pandemic andthem. construction costs others. in the works, but folks that own Chapter ter Root last Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cutHlebichuk, the ribbon“who knows?” maybe they Unfortunately, they had to declare bankruptcy will be able Shelters all over the U.S. and skyrocketed. As a result, the groupto in 1990, the Bessenyey estate The current executive di- deeded celebrating the opening One Book Store, inforced Hamwere some John Bishop, pictured from left, leads a gathering ofHowell. people involved or inwhoever the there of the new animalfifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael year and have been to sell the business and consult other distilleries purchases even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to fithe nish the land totake the organization rector, Tom Allsop, has been where ilton, may exception assets.event However, they are trying to stay positive, and business. According tofacility Hlebichuk,delays even though due tothey the same during the same 24Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The on the property that had housed the Sue McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Trap Club members line up for a shoot. Photo by Kristin Kruse. the current shelter is located. The to this, as they were re-is apage See TRAP, say that they are just “moving on 5 to the nextshelter chapter.” are closing their business, “I’m not closing doors.” See SHELTER, page hour period. The event fundJohn Rudow and Mark Hlebichuk, along with Bleu the dog. pandemic. She said2 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 Hlebichuk said,shelter, “It’s been anparticincredible experience, However, they do not plan to jumptheir rightvision back into raiser for each and Photo by John Dowd. 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 being here.” distilling themselves. ipants each work to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the“take Stevensville business,” according to encountered important Distillery has participated in the community in a “We’re goingrespective to miss making the product, especialFor them, it is an opportunitymost to a break and donate to their Hamilton City Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said Christine Staub, a driving falling victim to mail way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more multitude of ways, from catering a wedding to getting Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as ly when you do it well. But, we are looking forward to do something different.” Hlebichuk and McDonald live been providing “quality, Individual community businesses day, March 5They to discuss several there was not involved much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud incharities, the past. fundraisers abuse is for people Association. will in local and more. The of a “medical center” rather than just a getting closer to new friends and reacquainting with in Lolo, but plan to retain connections and keep relaalso donated the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, personalized upcoming city projects. at the time, though need to ship901 S. 1stto Street, As ais certified to ask questions also be celebrating 50 However, ownerthey said may that a feeling they didn’t find in Missouour families,” said Hlebichuk. According him, itwas wasrecently tionships in the whole of the valley. Rudow said, “As amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly The new 12-acre campus will care” for 90 years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more more people presented with Certificate ping depot forwe’ve FedEx, and start the con“It’s and just like a place wanted to be forever,” Murphy. She led the ayears lot of work for a long time. “We work 10 to 12 hours a la. of a friend, closing has beenwhich really on them.” For Saturday. istough a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and Hospital, about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe versation with those Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through added Hlebichuk. “Everyone is a friend more than an day some days,” but “We loved doing it!” For him, and him, “I take a lot of pride in the product we produce,” There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton was all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know co-owners, been steps lengthy fundand acquaintance.” his staff, theand community support and friendships have have and it’s a shame to see it end.aRudow added thatfund there bythe Victoria Howell me like a ton of of slumber party, and a barbelier, made ityear, into theMara opening. After Chiefthe time. Snavely. However, at the end of the Police Stephen open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating to one of them, Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum been nurse Hlebichuk one of thealready hardest partshired, will bealong with invest in all thesays commubeenwas moving. “It’s incredible, the outpouring,” said willabe many customers that will miss a lot of what The cue 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, letting the employees go. He said it is especially paining agency, out ofto351 facilities. Hlebichuk. “That’s what has have kept us coming back!” in the Montana Distillery has brought thesimilar Valley. Not least practitioner, and two more doctors welcoming all of the community to Numerous Bald Eagles been congregating Burnt Fork area lately to feed on carcasses. Photos nities of the Bitterroot, When it comes Overstreet was beloved long-time city clerk, who is on March discussion several ofAfter the Council 15th,period, Chief label. following Navy veteran and of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well fulsaid, because one is a coundisabled Here, Hlebichuk said they found a “sense of comofby which greetings at the door by the shop dog, visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. Victoria aresent being recruited. also bewill beHowell he with clinics in doingU.S. to Covid, Greg home from There will retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, but have been so successvation inofthe Bitterroot through on itsare taxalways collections and the other a single mother with a disabled child. But, munity loyalty, and the (amazing) relationships. You Bleu. “When he’s not here, people asking, Many the participants that The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet hasthe a other the hospital with During the public period Police comments. Hamilton Department so in the presence of she knows that they ful. Joined by showing revenues over various projects and programs. according to Hlebichuk, many other small businesses really do become part of people’s lives.” The Montana where’s Bleu?” finished Rudow. spent the night were kids. During tional Forest (BNF) willRoberttoSteinThe Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message forprogram you: of the such council meeting, “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. “become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One is their the party, participants hostslumber afool public meeting 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 shipand Marisa Neyenhuis, most departments 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 mittee is no longer recognizable as is the fact that the RCRCC has by Nathan lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion on regular agenda send-from a er, In early March, a customwas Boddy 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 normal of his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular a standard bearer for conservatism, recently experienced a rift within of responsibility a proposed mine up Sheep items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in the IRS or in isCommittee, looking pretty Oneresent bigthe savings was of allows the year of 2023, oneCreek. andgood, the vice chair of Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say PlanFor (CMP). The virtual counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. muchwhich lessthe the party of Lincoln and its ranks, polarizingaccording two distinct Ravalli County Republicans meeting of theSteinhoff, two-member According to “I thought was the issue re-roofing the city intending send atime package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security to Ravalli budgeted funds ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, 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 on forNa12Instead, years. Ait’s real estate for February of 2021. that 51 factions is brain Christine Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo by meeting will betoheld on See BOOKS, page 18 government should run. He “We’ll do our job, ” said Reagan. a hangout for which now struggle against have been scrambling to fill the seat it wasn’t going affect me, but I street shop. According to Hamilton via FedEx. Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, on Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the After it was announced that he would be check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 yearsJohn hereBirch in the Bitterroot, and also He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only takeThe than one Boddy. Society activists and another to fill the open seat. vacated by outgoing Representative learned that it would just City Public Works Director, Donny customer Sometimes they was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns the Paper valley. For him, the experience has been On Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who graduated high January 27, town Jenellein in the Army for 21 years, his organizational and 10 instructions and aclerk linkschool chemotherapy and But COVID-19 See COUNTY, page wannabe militia members.” In October of 2023,Itdisagreements Ron Marshall, who resigned seemed con-introduced will tell one little mistake and we all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. was a “chance to meet with a lottheir of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an midattorney May of 2023. She has sowill far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to join the meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, have been put to in late August he was was no joke. “It The divide within the local over procedure and ideology led way through the state legislative fused and unOver the victims that a loved one has hurting.” Steinhoff said that he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him that he victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and all ofparty it hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the currentfrom executive completed a she semester of college the last administration. In Hamilton, was recpotential but wishes similar meetings audience that was having good use as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee. told that cancer got I felt has again been to He the ouster ofonto longtime RCRCC has been session in apparent frustration. familiar with course of so herbad landed in jail,on ordisplay that a followprize about thethe track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According tochamRato network. then got the board “extremely rewarding.” for members, giving their report, director. Al gave a history of the and submitted her transcript that others within the commupublic Crews told ognized for in (virtual) were held in meetFreeman committee hopes ing Marshall’s resignation as both Chairman, Terry Nelson. The newsaidAlthe Marshall’s departure left House trouble streaming the the process, decade with has been won, but a to feeraise needs had been eradicated. I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was notwhat very comment, mer,and it isspoke the original roof, which hasstepping in like the early 90s,nity andwould in 2012 he her became was the executive director until reviewing 2023 andof talking about ber, about important memproviding proof compLeting help look out 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution factions scrambled to fill the seat group, many of whom are closely District 87, a district comprised $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rodeo and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. stated that the someduring significant leaks and Overstreet had like I their safety. At least one2020. Since then he has been the adviings onSteinhoff the internet. said thebreathe, executive director. they have planned forShe the upcoming bers that time that ledinsulation up to him associated courses. These arecomfor In addition to the by John Dowd chines. vacated by Marshall. Aold,” meeting for aligned with the state Freedom sor for ofbelieves the largely rural area between became sus-taking Shoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been in the state issues. Ramer the new roof bucking “They’re just getting he into said. surgery on October was being water Throughout that he knew Jodi, helping her transition year. During the meeting, it was also on the position. the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof thetime, potential victims chutes. she opportunity to learn and eachpicious In addition to the the heating custom leathThursday, March 6 was organized Caucus, effectively took control of Hamilton and Stevensville, unrepwhen 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, Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio isAccording featuring by a large contingent ofready members, the committee. Its awards members ac- year. resented. to state law, Dominic Farrenkopf (right) recognition to Rose Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be 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 After 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 the process of developworking but they had set up Stevensville Main Street business, Rivthe work of more than a dozen local some of whom are dissatisfied knowledge their far right position, the Ravalli County Republican the customapproximately grab the package from a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there was anygle and triumphs,” said Al. He said the organization’s history. According to him for all his help and to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another of these requiretreatment the boarding to had be to be provided with a ride isage notand a question and answer” ering, from 21 Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould in and or front door when it arrives. with farsupposed right wing leaderhave with the11 John Central Committee is ob-what the was doing, or overarching goal for the Chamber (RCRCC) has $60,000 him, wasseveral meant to beties a six-month he was only toRCRCC speak for 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments iscity that each applicant started years ago but couldn’t be held last year to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covsession. “It’s public comment. ” did the work at no charge to opened at the same Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular cash, all of “They always direct the ship. Shortly thereafter, a second Birch Society. ligated to make recommendations ever, members of the public always been to keep businesses connect- appointment to“This the position lasted 12 the pandemic minutes. – has been upgraded this ber for over 36 that years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to The day after Overstreet. er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details thethehad which was to victim by to the send it, ‘noRCRCC signature official was Byenjoyed early 2024, newly formed meeting for Marshall’s towanted the The of mayor said previousthereplacement town. “I just who had he tried to access theplays years, andI he everythe 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. noticed for Friday, March 7 at 9 RCRCC, headed by Ron Stoltz, set county commissioners. CommisFred 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 I was notasking art. After two months of renovations There are 16 artists infive total lently de- town, The Bank Secrecy Act p.m. about that each Republican sioners then have days to make ation. material. Photo courtesy Fred Upchurch. years,” said Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3 questions from the public. ing me and helping the ” flags abound when seniors are for filling in swear while town Greg objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. taking Covid center, while hidden behind brown-paper owners areselection. always ly, it covwas notso far, and thethe manded from ofattorney 1970 requires banks to Tony Hudson, aOverstreet precinct in Ravalli County ultimate being oncandidate the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person also said that they said outcomes ofas the public of Montana Catering Service will providesuing theofthe had Covid-19. Pictured with Mell are, l to r, Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened more. “We like allOverstreet. kinds for patience she worked “I was obviously seriously enough. Staub’sCrews firstwelcoming citizen keep track of withdrawals captain who is currently an oath of allegiance to the MonComplicating this task,senior howevhe added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should beofprepared forTerry some its doors March 1.said mediums,” said Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order RCRCC for failure to hold elections tana GOP platform, something that very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and Nelson, who was ousted by 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 2 bank “interesting comments” 2025, anticipated that the House District 86 Representative Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recent brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe Overstreet. hit will Jim Crews, former mayor thefrom far right Caucus of commuto5withdraw $15,000, it in early Stacie Barker. by Victoria Howell. at 901ofS.the 1st Street inFreedom Hamilton. See COWBOY BALL page SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some artists displayed such cirnity.See Staub isDavid Bedey, state GOP would declare the first24 a self-described ‘ReaCovid. Photo by Victoria Howell. the RCRCC, is now one of the See SCAMMERS, page makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” three See PLAN, 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one ofpage the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants meeting illegitimate out of fear gan Republican,’ publicly rejected forwarded Ravalli week the Ravalli County Commissioners apwork is grounded formercowboys, gallery,names but the business plana County On March by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artiststowith 9th, letter members ofLast the This year, the Stevensville that school a “more moderate individual” in an open entitled, “I will not Commissioners for consideration 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 would comply.” Bedey’s rejection of the by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of to Criminal Investigations replace Ron Marshall. Photo byparticipation ing with the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business,Inthat hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preinasserted the last that, of fourteen requiring qualification to advance “the Ravalli tice thetook change atthe all,space. andinvestigation. itWhile may lead separatedrequest at Victor Crossing. After the ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the See MARSHALL, page Protection Agency. The letter 4 the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; Nathan Boddy. 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 invitaCounty ‘Republican’ Central Comby 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 on their accomplished creating thatthe “Ravalli objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber tobytions provide courage a love ofPolice artthrough in young people forment participants. Participants must in Butts, their yearlong effort to qualify tions compete at children’s state in allbehavtwelve Bitterroot has woodworker, gone some big LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty Kathy and north by out of to the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton officers were Snavely, See Steve 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. 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 jewelry 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 Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all toart, put envelopes on January 18,participant’s for filingby objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which wouldschools in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed when the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and commissioners all work isHowell done her twotook casing the loveown of and Florence inthe April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. venville’s beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will a es might affect them. rights thatmain pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Realty is still the to Lendman said that itand will not change venience Store. The Fortunately, engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also roads heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most a drag, Draft treatment units. According to Exit all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McJasmin Shinn, founder and There are no paid employees; it’s an allThe annual Montana Rockies be no break from the music, and, “No according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it, the fransame company. Additionally, accordin. Photo by John Dowd. place after the suspect threatened and standard procedure in these types of put valentine cards in kopf, activities director The Stevensville Town CounPark, a 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging trucks, mostly, a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding ATRowner Smart Procedures is a softschools ininvolved the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education programvolunteer Casland, 1st get place individual tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.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 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, Des(Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will February, that source of funding has distributes the products through the rating. It’s this loud tool that you’re by Nathan Boddy officer. “We have seen tremendous supAtsmall A Time Draft Horse Rescue it costs about $200 per month to feed Homes in Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked a piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour there and is a developed fishing access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The aim was 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 Management Wildlife Re-that definingconnected old-growth stantreatment within anSaturday, Victor. On April 13, the be“gentle their time, and for others come aIfirst complete stop. farm’s Community Supported - greatly you’re basically Theinofficers attempted to provide port, andto we 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 ofrunning the are going to under be accidents there.” “But think it’sThen [the piece the to Agriprovide atolearning opportunity toon see the Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn HackNeely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the source Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the area designated for insect and resource and financial limitaHe said there has been little warnculture (CSA) service, which has 700 with it.” Max Smith at Winter Kissed Farm life-saving to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost last week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in love with the According tolopes. the orgaengaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1stcommunication place individual with the team Last year the the music. This spring festival always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted ing or about fundregional buyers. To take risks of develToand purchase theofcontest Power Ox, Smith in Stevensville can easily point to new anow who was then transported by ambuespecially proud this during atreatment time old-growth habitat disease because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would decision were received little love this special envelopes associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck for $7500 meeting. The land ownership will river access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. “Iother city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One of 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 ing freeze, which makes decision makoping speciality crops, Smith says, can applied for a Speciality Crop Block source of federal funding that has 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 really popular, and allemptied over when the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even ing especially the befrom aMichaelson challenge balanced with thefor Grant (SCBG) through MSU’s Western made awhich positive difference in histo busifromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest law en- had four years resident. people piece, located adjacent the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff said he looked up the ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsdifficult, parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be considering driven or there, the necessary support viable populations mostly having tothe dowith with thesupport ingfor trees. They claim the area will been through their art contest. The even more, full participation their knowledge to the test asmaintenance FFA Conduct of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year. These bands play for free, and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up time-sensitive nature of farming. daily requirements of an operational Agricultural Research Center (WARC), ness. dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. The 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 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 aCounty similar art all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent isfor impacted by mountain pine the project, theImembers of old growth, new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim “Where you have a planting season, farm. To help take that leap, some the reward for which the “It’s walkwas behind tractor,” he said within aa55,000 acre area of The Ravalli Sheriff’s Office isenveapiece great place to bepaid awhere police officer.” center opened its doors in 2020 after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see of the bridge, offered to the 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 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 that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell on bass. we’ve got one shot to do thisnotes work for10 producers themselves federal majority of the cost. The powerful of the Tilmor Power Ox. “It’s exhilaand 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 beavail maintained andof utilized erty on the west ofestablished the river, 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, and 50 years.Creek To doRoad. this, they will door tomistletoe some permanent and for $9.5farmers,” One the problems, acOne band that to asked return According toof Conroy, the the festival’s our he said. grant programs like the SCBG. newnoted tool mechanizes 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, toand have that To Johnny contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community conversations withispeople,” million, which Butler said cording tothe Butler, was, “we asthe Campbell Band, visiting purpose is “to promote and encourThe SCBG, as name implies, However, as funding freezes dicweed-pulling draevent and investigation. However, been three of these types of 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 shiftingidate Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the highway property into the Town The original proposal was The next glass recycling event button, cell batteries (out of feature theorganization beauty of the andto participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” levy, which BVCC said speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1commented Horse Aavailable Time Germany where she grew up around from They will be joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The focuses governmental resources on the tated inNashville. Washington clamp down onin matically reduced the very little information isstate at amuch However, these are always aButter, danger nonprofit that offers a pass came up with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the At owner ofand land channel and the deepest part of the of Vickie Motley, park board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think It’s something in general financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have stated that the the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info so to give back to the community, “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Community horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they development of agricultural products similar grants, the reverberations in hand labor on the farm, 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 on the northeast had channel. If you to develop RDO Equipment Co. to Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north if you don’t have batteries to recycle thought their once successful art said Hafer, saying that art entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, whichthe helped the unsure ofThe exactly how thethat College was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. event is abut all share thebig same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot she is especially passionate about getters. are not commodity crops, like16 agricultural community may soon something he attributes 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 because the access problem had been See STEVI, page end of the Ravalli Fairnow you canRunning save up to bring them to contest was the way toShe go. According come in“Crosspurpose.” all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 W. Road secretary, Sue Smith. was The vote will take place to speak with the worked. Theyadraft were seems toInstead, have been agrant major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County itthe isCounty contrary current law forest resilience to natural single-microphone type event, with When asked why he loves bluegrass, wheat or barley. the ripple outward toprocess public atto large in partwere to last year’s during this investigation, as for iswake stanmunity members, harmed during That check followed inRavalli the horses. She and her husband, a tarages 18 and older in Wild both and called Itorganization offers similar and for the In aAlliance previous announcement the Chicago Tap grounds. The price is the same, $1 per the next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will be the ninth year they schools west of the Continental Divide Star Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the organizaon May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under the impression that the misunderstanding about the single stage. According to Mike Conoftheir crops like vegetawho constitute the buyers of locally “We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ”gets production disturbances fire, bumper insectsto crop. Missoula, MT 59808 dard protocol. Montana Dethe like exchange. Missoula Counties. addition toby services, according Stevens. military retiree, and two children of a $25,000 giftThe inIn November Theatre performance presented the Bitterroot See BLUEGRASS, page 4 Rockies filed claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th.Additional ing director ofsuit ATR, and art contest have held thechair contest, and each year with anproducts. ag education program/FFA state qualifying tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee the college. public desired an independent nature of species the community bles, peas and lentils, asbought well asaevents fruits sourced Winter Kissed Farm free career training, Summit offers The six-month program offered Forest officials also received indicator are listed in and disease; reduce sediconcern over impacts to Performing Arts Council (BPAC), the venue was from Tractor Supply. relocated to Montana and 20406-549-4171 agency failed to use thewith best tained drinks or food may be recycled Cardboard recycling will also be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in prizes. chapter. Schools of all classifications for the Stevensville FFA: ask public for help a Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college. According to Butler, and berries. Many of these specialty Zach Miller, PhD, is the Superinspecializes in crops mentoring, support and friendship to is broken down into three phases. correctly listed. like However, the BPAC press release acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds 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. Any color, and labels available for apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been incredible. This year, they will be away compete together in FFA includAgfind Sales 2nd place team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn from left) 1 Horsecan At by a high rare opportunity tothe create a Victor. andThe wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said tendent that voted in previously many believe it tobybe crops their way into community and Professor ofofHorticulture that store well and are whoever walks through their doors. Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin mistakenly listed city as event will 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 comfood networks through local distribuat WARC, and says that the USDA highly sought afterwhich in This isdraft the brainchild of called “personal development,” take program place atofthe Hamilton Performing Arts Center taking care horses is Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, “All of cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Stevensville, with team members Kamryn Jones, Office the Regional bulloftrout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the levy towintertime, time they iswent to the the district was levy program supported run by the agriculture UniversiManager, Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny, the non-profit’s mascot and theable toAdmintors, community grants comprise 90% ofofthe funding the such as ply with theMyla definition of old power duo Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude testing toAlso idenat Hamilton High School in Hamilton, MT, thisand an expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. Seemarkets. GOLD, pageis 65 vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance and togreens, public, they did after being for community funds. ty of Montana. The reality •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR H OMEand MPROVEMENT Capologize O .COM istrator of theand Environmental habitat including In aand letter to so the Forest (CSA) and farmers they need to bring their skills ser- After kale, first horse that wasfresh rescued byESTIMATES 1 Horse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch founder of tify what each individual’s specific Saturday, March 15, atIthis 8 p.m. Wegive for themeadows, growth found 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 vices to area producers. But, as of late spinach. Smith currently the center, and co-founder and Execerror. Paidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 21 ART, page See FREEZE, page14 2 SeeSee SUMMIT, page4 4college cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and theas oldpublic. a community district twice, 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
Republicans wrangle Ron Marshall replacement
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
Funding freeze affects local ag projects
Glass recycling BVCC gives it one more college try event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance
Correction:
Davis for Senate Dist. #44
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