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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B e h ‘T 37 29 39 XXXIX, Number VolumeXLI, XXXVII, Number 30 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume Number 34 35 Volume XXXIX, Number 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January Wednesday, March 13, 2024 6,2022 Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, April26, 10,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary
Coffee with the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking held for medical center Kinder, gentler mayor this time around? Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Center open Historic trap subdivision club facesapproved closure Sapphire Valley Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville can come on in and talk to me.” shelter.Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com $140,000. Crews is making an effort to
speech, occupaby Victoria by Victoria Howell by Victoria Howell a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical Howell by Kristin MichaelKruse Howell andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major ty for failing to do the proper by Thechanges park additional impact on people’s therapy services – Jim Crews, be responsive public, and by shares from tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmental by When John Dowd space filledto upthe sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.oftaxes. It’s been a long timewho pre- provided to Colleen board made property viously served as Stevensville’s said he answers the mayor’s The Ravalli County Eight Mile Creek Company. public safety, to wildlife, and process across the state impacts by handing its the including aoff therapy the presentation into other rooms and the Sheep Creek Mine proposal. The event drew over 220 people The Hamilton Trap Club has coming, but the new Three Schmiedeke, the decision In addition to the loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording to thewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other mayor from 2016 to 2018, filed phone and even if citizens call On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves on to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to plat theOswald subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG heardisphone, Ramsey’s root Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It to run for mayor Stevenshis personal “I presenand running. Located at 4433 bothhim the on park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. Aofplace for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Senior ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments expressed concern Waterkeepers and a group ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, gave a presentatation in Darby and contacted him, a resident of the West Fork. He has was attended by people from all over Sunnyside Cemetery Road, and the the project. Center (the official name) trap enthusiasts andsaid hunting ville last year, he rumors board answer that too.” Bishop said “It organization’s 50 years of service, An open house celebration was for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot develop11 newasked children tothings the potential impacts to of residents close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could do one about with the a Ph.D in microbiology and inliving school Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, soimmediately started swirling onimately When how have they hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root was started by a bunch of little old by John Dowd ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel the Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the environment as complex will be County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and as farsuch away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their social media and inThe the commubeen going, Crews said,was “It’s inladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the club also functions as a built just north of nity thatshelter if he won he wasFairgrounds going teresting. I’m learning. Things Last the Bitter animal located on ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular tripslimited. per dayRamsey, to the local lowering of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and been in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conserroom, aweekend warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit the Stevensville at thesupporting to fire everyone. At the time, heroadhave changed a little bit since Humane Association participatMile and Upper system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in Hamilton. The event served Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai had been barred from town Iincorpowas mayor before. I’ve ed for the first time in BitteraofnationWoodchuck Road east the is proposing to been be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. included ribbon system, and a gorgeous view ahall andapplicant payments contributors were the Three programs such as It The on continuing to for allegedly harassing spending the last two months al “slumber party” event. The Creek Road and Florence. The land is honor being a 100-foot by 100were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains tothededicate rated in 2014. Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. According totown club expand services. Bitterroot shelter branded their employees. getting to know everybody and Hwy 93. developed by Laura Watson of foot easement for the use and impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. She said the Those payRock Park and the Rapp members, hundredstours of kids havewhole started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, including of the event the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit “We’re bringing the Crews went on to defeat getting to know everything Watson Homes LLC who was of the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or duty to provide the statutorily The building is now home total cost is ments come ily Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and an array of food and huge sense of responsibility to honor opened the shelter to community represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby required information lies with incumbent Bob Michalson in again and seeing how we’re care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. Along with their terroot CEO, drink inHealth honor of the organization’s those who have come before us and ” members who participated totwo stay$8,000 ing company Professional to business. 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 asaid very close race and now, doing So far, business own programs, the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. that Marcus the night with the animals, among Consultants Inc. (PCI). Fire District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has raised over months into his second seems to be going pretty good. Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi tstint organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke The proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can The surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners and as mayor, he reflects on how I’ve seen some things that we chair the McCormack said that the ofwithout was fiSaturday rst organized inuse 1972.SunIn 1984, noon and 12 noon gle-family residential dozens of written proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a peth, subdivision tains soccer and baseball “gotneed really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Hope Project. The received things are going. to change but I’m not over aSenior ItMontana is often said that Three Mile Community Center board members, l to r,He Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated laclub is utilized by local schools, little locally owned “Have I fired anyone?” he gavegoing to jump in and start leenright Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the See SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the shelter animals, wore fundraising campaign to fund the new granddaughter of Marcus Daly, said this project courts, a walking path, a playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, BoyBertScouts bookstores are a waning asks town clerk Jenelle doing it. Get some feedback See CENTER, page pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then the Triple BRHA land on Fairgrounds ground and a covered picnic raised Bitterroot about have to run has the beenCovid-19 four years3 and Creek Ranch, among Road Chamber of Commerce business. However, the houd. “No sir,” she says. from our employees and get a Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bit- pandemic hit and construction costs in support of the shelter. with a 99-year lease. Six years later, others. in the works, but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon The mayor sits at desk Shelters all over thehis U.S. and skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deededbetter idea of how they think it The current executive diOne Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured fifth from left, leads a gathering of people involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animal shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael Howell. even out of the country heldhall, the in front room of had to take out a mortgage to finish thethe land totake the organization where See MAYOR, page 2 rector, Tom Allsop, hastown been ilton, may exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility in ancurrent area shared with other The Hamilton on Trap the property that had Sueby McCormack, who serves on Club members linehoused up for athe shoot. Photo Kristin Kruse. thethis, shelter isrelocated. to as they were See TRAP, page 5 See SHELTER, page hour period. The event is a fundpandemic. She said2 shelterMayor sinceJim 1984. theat organization’s of directors administrative staff and visible Crews will be considers built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old buildingStevensville cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and partictheir vision that to general public. how do. things are going just after the first two bythe John Dowd According to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an “outstanding model bytoNathan Boddy cumstances, having She adds thatisthe ipants eachit’s work to raise funds to act now, andstint stay of this.” people “Well, what Ito promised,” months of his second asahead mayor. He the Stevensville business,” according encountered most important donate to theirCity respective Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail says Crews. “I promised I’d be narrowly defeated Bob Michalson in the“quality, Christine Staub, a driving falling victim way to combat the Hamilton Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing Individual community businesses day, March 5 to discuss several there was not much they knew to do visible. So, when people come force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people November election, during a time when Association. They will of a “medical center” rather than just a also donated the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, personalized upcoming citytothey projects. However, at thehad time, though they may need to ship901 S. 1st Street, was recently As a certified to ask questions also be celebrating 50 to town hall, look over, Michalson banned Crews from town amounting to over opened, $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly care” for 90 people years. whensee theoperation. meeting look itharassing ashealth “more and more presented a into Certificate of staff. ping depot for FedEx, The new 12-acre campus will and start conyears of Murphy. Shethe led the they the mayor sittingconcern here. hallwith for allegedly Photo Saturday. Hospital, which isversation a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe with those Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through If they want toover talk35 toparticipants me, they by Victoria Howell. There were a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Farrenkopf is legally justified you know and co-owners, and been taking steps a lengthy fund fund bythe Victoria Howell me like a ton of of slumber party, and a barbelier, made it into the opening. After the time. However, at the end of the Police Chief Stephen Snavely. open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating to one of them, Every year, theMara Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to the meeting, during the non-agenda items In his presentation to the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Asso-been up, shows thefacilities. county, ing agency, outitof 351 similar practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have in the Burnt area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with in doing sent home from to Covid, Greg retiring. members weighed in onclinics Steinhoff’s Snavely saidcil that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, but have been successvation inofso the Bitterroot through on its tax collections and Many the participants that The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet has a During the public period comments. Hamilton Police Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that over they ful. Joined by the other showing revenues various projects and programs. spent night were will kids. During tional Forest (BNF) The Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message for you: of the the council meeting, Robert “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. toStein“become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One such program is their the slumber party, participants host a public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February is hoff stood to address the council. He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t fool around! the good things that happen able to uncover the He was home for to departments say12th. they This are shipand Marisa Neyenhuis, most while scholarship program, which took part in a “tortilla slap game,” thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having who can Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. expenses have only or awards three winners 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page 11 hosted by the County Fish and and possibly Stevensville as well.” Her ing his department’s experiof the package: nearly paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in During that time, amounted of three people allows them an interest in pursuing todisplay share Association information Wildlife and Trout Unlimthoughts were shared by several other ence with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, common tactics for and former council member, the public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in large to do it all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields related to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called uponsuch Dr.appears Philcouncil members. opportunity. which thethe customer scammers include the budget year, the part to jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural to be continuing when council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft foreston the dangers lip Ramsey toThe speak In discussion agenda send-from a normal of In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly claiming county’s performance have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also thethat chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular of a proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, the first to be brought forward er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing to a scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. meeting of the two-member According to Steinhoff, was the issue re-roofing the city intending send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. Now by John Dowd of that time as the executive director. of theBOOKS, winners to receive aMara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section.that Photo John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate for February of 2021. 51 by is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will betoheld on See page 18 should run. He that “We’ll dobeour job,Al ” Christine said it wasn’t going affect me,on but street shop. According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. After Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the it was announced he would check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and also He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only takeThe than Boddy. learned that it would City Public Works Director, Donny customer Sometimes was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, the experiencethey has been On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who high school in just January 27, town clerk Jenelle the Army valley. for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 See COUNTY, page 10 seemed conwill tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, the building is used for snow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce introduced by Jodi Mitchell, his daughat council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Fivethat he fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in he was wasthe no joke. “Itthat he get involved fused and unOver victims that a loved has hurting.” said heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him people all over the valley,” and all of it hosted a well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the current executive completed a she semester of collegethe last administration. In from Hamilton, wasgot recvictims, butuse wishes similar public meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Cowboy Ball committee. told that the cancer I potential felt familiar with of so herbadHe in jail,rewarding.” or that a prize about the track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According Ra- course to network. thenothers got onto the board has been “extremely for members, giving their report, director. Al gave told a history of thetochamand submitted herin transcript that within the commupublic comment, Crews ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held Freeman said the committee hopes to raise trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won, but a fee needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original roof, which has in the early 90s,nity andwould in 2012 he her became reviewing 2023 andoftalking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof compLeting help look out Al was the executive director until 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rodeo and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsome significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said the executive director. they have planned for the upcoming bers during that time that led up to him associated courses. These are for their safety. At least one2020. Since then he has been the adviIn addition to the by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been in the state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on October was being water Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition into year. During the meeting, it was also taking on the position. the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn In addition to the the heating custom leathpicious when now commonly use a getting legitimate seven times already, and each time left will“The cut down on bill and haswhile “They need to be replaced. They’re banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet he was 23, 2021 for ostomy boarded, or what story of the Bitterroot Valley 55 board members and participated the role. Al will be retiring in August this announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet to be eligible aided was a resident at a local nel they had was no longer about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Allen Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready to taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. Al spoke, Jodi stood to thank Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developworking but they had up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the anycustomthehelp package a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked ifset there gle and triumphs,” said Al.ering, He said theCovid-19. organization’s According towith him forgrab all his tofrom remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy balland – which actually Another of thesethis requiretreatment in the boarding to history. be to be had provided a ride is notand a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, er’s Mist, a new business has recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page 21$60,000 athing new Facebook page. Hower’s age in or front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or even could overarching goal for the Chamber has him, what was meant to be a six-month he was only supposed to speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments is that each applicant started 11 years ago but couldn’t be held last to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will covsession. “It’s public ” their did work the work no charge opened at the same location. Howevartists havecomment. not shown in at the particular cash, all of to to the position lasted 12 “They always direct the ever, members of the public always been to keep businesses connectappointment minutes. ber for over 36 years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there thethehad which was to victim to send it, ‘no signature The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access the details years, andI he enjoyed every moment cussing thewas “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership year. topics: surgery, is when realized changeover, itrole willhunting remain plays a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being fraudurequired,’” she adds. Fredhe Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associly that would be answering publicly thank Joan for helpThe Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joan aup Mell, of it. “It’s been a good for 29“This numbers have been “trending every she says,ride pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the first year we’ve ever done fully diagnosed with I was not art. After two months of renovations ThereFred are 16 artists in total lentlythat de- town, The Bank Secrecy Act ation. material. Photo courtesy Upchurch. years,” said Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3 questions from the public. ing me and helping the ” flags abound when seniors are center, for filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. taking Covid while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from of 1970 requires banks to being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person also said that they said outcomes ofas the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l towill Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened more. “We like allOverstreet. kinds seniorseriously for patience she worked “I was obviously enough. Staub’sCrews firstwelcoming citizen keep track ofr, withdrawals he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should be prepared for some its doors March 1. of mediums,” said Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” said through the issues. Mayorthey’re Steve Gibson, council sudden coming into the members Cindy Brown and The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new “It business feature Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2 bank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. hit will Jim Crews, former mayor to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork byPhoto Karen such cirStaub is Covid. by VictoriaSome Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one ofpage the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants County Commissioners apwork is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensville proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contests by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business,Inthat hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change atthe all,space. andinvestigation. itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners statedwant National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a secured video designed to her leatherwork, Karen is also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working to en1889, and the contest is still looking agricultural and leadership competito the state level and invitaby Michael Howell Since January 2, Exit Realty in the to some positive growth in the future. sale, the south portion was purchased to change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, around 4:30 According to Hamilton Police Departto help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavaccomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber to provide courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twelve Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces furniture to A new the valley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. SEIS for record of decision forest products and toof unmitigated changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change will in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on byVictoria Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships year, the2023-24 facility took inthe just under by Howell The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all toart, put envelopes on January 18,participant’s for filingby objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which wouldschools in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed when the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and commissioners all work isHowell done her twotook casing the loveown of and Florence infrom April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. venville’s drag, beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will Avenience vehicle crashed into Stevensville Physical Therapy lastthen Thursday, at 1Bitterroot p.m. A male driver Idaho,totraveling south is onstill Main, struck a parked car, then overcorrected, lost control and a es might affect them. Fortunately, rights thatmain pertained to26, the in the valley, Exitroads Realty the Lendman said that itand will not change Store. The engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most aFebruary Draft treatment units. According Dominic Farrenall the doors and shut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment to on it. sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off 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 McThere are no paid employees; it’s an allJasmin Shinn, founder and The annual Montana Rockies be no break from the music, and, “No crossed over the northbound lane. It went through the fence and into the Stevensville Physical Therapy building. A session had just finished in that room moments earlier. According to Stevensville 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 kopf, director put valentine cards The activities Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre parkare onwelcome the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging mostly, set of easily accessible items that hadThe secret hiding ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.organization. Just get up there and play.” Police Chief John Boe, nobody seriously injured. Notoother information was the available by press time. Photo by John Dowd. current owner of the valley half chise was split between north ing to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1 Horse volunteer But said 12 reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting situations. See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. really cil split on whether towas accept just the north of ofthe boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, theitimpacts cific forest plan amendment about piece 90% of proposed ware design company, now based inFarrenkopf participate. Some of the the private schools even learn about a wide range ofcompartments agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Des(Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will officer. “We have seen tremendous supAt A Time Draft Horse Rescue costs about $200 per month to feed Homes inHowever, Hamilton, is moving liked the idea. He asked a small piece of park after land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour - there is aflask developed fishing access site. drugs orthe hide aand small of whiskey. The aim was Hamilton. to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. to Willow Creek Road. Due to Management Wildlife Redefining old-growth stantreatment areas are within an Victor. On Saturday, April 13, the be their first time, and for others that Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate all Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot these “gentle there are facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice 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 I giants.” think opportunity it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning toon see the Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. 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 toland “Maintain dards. Some objections to theSnavely. area designated forschool insect and resource and financial limitalife-saving to the suspect, that support,” said He was boost lastForest week when she was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and to send his residents a and daycares to make National project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in love with the According to the contest orgaengaging instruction of ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year lopes. the music. This spring music festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuespecially proud of this during atreatment time old-growth habitat disease because of the 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 Motdense pockets of dead and dynot be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline from representatives of JCCS, an these horses. When they’re fi nally ready Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. had to be emptied more really popular, and from all over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest support law enresident. people four years piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are so many cars out there, said what sheadoption, tells parents is, “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be last driven ortitled, support viable populations having tothe dowith with theparticipation ingfor trees. They claim the area will the necessary been through their art contest. The even more, full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA Conduct of Chapter Meeting: team In an article that ran week mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands play for and adon’tIConroy, and his wife, Tari, willdon’t get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side said she had a real problem with old minutes and found that the land think it can be used for parking. But then you see. If you don’t see, then you ridden, and some just become “pasture located in Hamilton. Part of the idea came from a similar art contest from all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally sancmembers Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine during the project, nor the logging of old growth, poten“Board of Realtors sponsors county land new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim But the disease was only diagnosable for proteins (PrPSc) that lack nucleic acids by Michael Howell within a 55,000 acre area of The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to be a police officer.” center opened its doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf tooffered see that tines to fill the enveof the bridge, was togift the Town this piece of land. Trapper “It’s where twoJob was donated theleadership condition looking long term, if youDUI, haveKuntz, prop-10 See VALENTINES, page 10 That that selection forHouston, awarding pets.” See page they held in Texas right af- impacts These also include Creek tioned careeronand developett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret regs series,” by John Dowd, some dates by John Down first to be created in the last “Itheads really opened the in 2020. first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark beetle, rehabilitation of thelevy road after species. ” side The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell on bass. certain by examining the brain tissue of and trigger normal brain proteins to and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with the departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest in the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as a roads converge, the is incrediit would be maintained and utilized erty on the west of the river, then 1 Horse At A Time was established was online voting and according ter the events of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I ment events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, and were incorrect and new information has 50 years. To do this, they will door to some interesting permanent and asked for $9.5 One of the problems, acOne band that continues to return According to Conroy, the festival’s deceased patients. Caughey put together misfold, causing fatal, rapidly progresDr. Byron Winslow Caughey passed issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only and the project is complete. Ravalli the DrafttoSEIS limits the scope Willow Creek Road. dwarf mistletoe just toeast the north of Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access potentially consoltains Corvallis. ATR wanted to find a way to was astonished, last year, to have that To contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. to JCCS branch manager, Andrea by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from come out. In that article, it was stated “Hopefully, the third try need to ask the community conversations with people,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we asis the Johnny Campbell Band, visiting purpose is “to promote and encoura team to study the fatal and incurable sive neurodegenerative diseases known away at his home on February 15 at the the event and investigation. However, been three of these types of shootings. ParkDuring is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or notNational needed in the community. They of itsphone environmental consespruce budworm damage. County objects to in shifting Forest the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the Town The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell batteries (out of feature the beauty of the state andto much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen that the next training willup take place on is the charm,” commented pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time Germany where she grew around from Nashville. They will be joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The disease and around 2010 developed as Transmissible Spongiform Encephaage of 68. He was a devoted husband very little information is available at However, these are always a danger of nonprofit organization that offers a came up with the concept of career mayor Jim Crews, the owner ofand land channel and the deepest part of the in general Vickie Motley, parkat board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think something Although financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have that the the Bitterroot isbecause March 9th, 2024, the phone). This isValley lastaIt’s minute info so to give back toAugust the community, “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above the district Hackett withdrawn in ofman. 2020He March 14. has This is incorrect. The Bitterroot Community has tried to dostated twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” the trustees Bitterroot Community horses. She’s always been horse fan, was one ofValley the top four vote bands from all over the valley, Mis- were MRBA 300 members, andnext they a technique called “real time quaking lopathies (TSEs). and father, atraining real family was, this time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career program targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly at the river on the northeast side had channel. If you to develop ber, said that nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. to Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed from 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 training will take place on March 10, College (BVCC) trustee and without success. campaign, which helped the unsure of exactly how the College was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. The event is a all share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot induced conversion (RT-QuIC)” that When he arrived at RML, Caughey by all accounts, a humble, kind, and getters. but she is especially passionate about The officer is currently on leave neither the norin any com- because the access problem had been ed towards highly motivated people successful organization Denver, attempted to shut offtoriver access on for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem See STEVI, pageto 16 end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 Running W. Road from 12 noon to 4 p.m. secretary, Sue Smith. She was The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it is contrary to current law forest resilience to natural single-microphone type event, with a When asked why he loves bluegrass, could be used to reliably identify CJD in began working under the direction of understanding man. He was a well-rouduring this investigation, as is stanmunity members, were harmed during draft horses. She and her husband, a That check followed in the wake ages 18 and older in Wild both Ravalli and called “Crosspurpose.” It offers similar and Alliance for the next glass recycling day on June grounds. The is the the same, $1 per to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer According toand Michael Kent, with the 4 speaking about the organizaon MayDr. 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic ofpatients creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the single stage. According toimpression Mike Conliving by extracting brain tissue Bruce Chesebro who was involved nded individual, an accomplished artist “We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances like fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition to services, according to Stevens. ofdard a $25,000 gift in November military retiree, their two children See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed suit claiming the 8th. gallon. Jars and bottles that coning director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA Additional state qualifying events Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors, the tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community from living and eventually by in intensive research into theconcern fatal prion and enjoyed making furniture, sculpfree career training, Summit offers The six-month offered Forest officials also received species are listed in and disease; reduce sedi- program over impacts to patients from Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to use the best Cardboard also be tained drinks or food be recycled leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. chapter. Schools of allmay classifications forimportant the Stevensville FFA:will most orrecycling potentially ask public for help with a also Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college. According tointeButler, examining spinal fluid obtained by a diseases among animals including Mad ting, and writing poetry. He was a mentoring, support and friendship to is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, butbeitled istonot county owned and maintained mentwanted sources inhold Willow available for apeople fee. for a (second fee. Any color, and labels available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete together in FFA includAg Sales 2nd place team bybe part of the event will Presenting a the check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn from left) 1 Horse At by aresting rare opportunity to incredible. create athedoors. and to true.” She the trustees said that this voted inofpreviously high many believe itheld spinal tap. Both were very serious andcan Cow Disease among cattle, Scrapies world-renowned scientist atShinn, Natiowhoever walks through their Stevens stated that thegiving first phase isJasmin RDOequipment.com money but, according to about 20Sponsored horses. She currently 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 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. where the community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: which Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk Institute habitat and didn’t cominvasive procedures. among sheep, and Chronic Wasting nal of is Allergies and Infectious This program the brainchild of called “personal development,” taking care of draft horses is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, ofoftrout cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to with team members Jones, Office of Stevensville, the Regional bull habitat; restore Road. Department of Revenue will present on terroot. According toRocky trustee worked to alter the levy to testing first time they iswent to the the district was levy program run Kamryn by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. Also pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminIn 2015, however, scientists at the Disease among deer and other wild Diseases (NIAID) at Mountain 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. property taxes. See GOLD, page vice chair, Jean Butler, this give it its best chance and to public, they did so after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality is 65 •FREE ESTIMATES IN THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Y OUR H OME I MPROVEMENT C O . COM istrator of the Environmental habitat including meadows, In a letter to the Forest University of California at San Diego mammals. Laboratory (RML) in Hamilton. After horse thateach was rescued by 1 Horse At A Time. Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fortfound Owenin Ranch and founder of firsttify what individual’s specific growth the Bitterroot per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, This will be held at the Bitterroot Riwould be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of significantly voted down and UC-San Francisco were able to colCaughey soon turned his attention coming to work at RML in 1986 he the center, and co-founder and ExecPaidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, P.O. Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page 14 21 See ART, page SeeDisease SUMMIT, page cepted: lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, page have included themes such oldpublic. to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Corvallis. Inn conference room, in Hamilton. its kind in the state, and theaas a (CJD), community district wentver back lect and eyes fromalkaline, eleventwice, deceased CJD paa 4 4college shot up the ranks, becoming tenured Also, the candidate forum will occur tients who had donated them to science, Senior Investigator in 1994 and Chief of rare, rapidly progressive, and fatal neon May 14. This will be held at the Elks dissect them and send the samples to urodegenerative disorder caused by inthe TSE/Prion Biochemistry Section in Club in Hamilton, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 fectious misfolded proteins in humans. 2006. p.m. See CAUGHEY, page 12 CJD was first described in the 1920s. Prions are infectious, misfolded
Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’
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
Car crashes into Stevi PT office Hearts full of love Stevi to revisit refinancing bonds
Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting
New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task
Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video more participation
sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face fire Butterfly on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday
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 Remembering Byron Caughey Correction
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