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Bitterroot Star - March 5, 2025

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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 34 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number

’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, March 5,2022 2025 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 26, 13, 2024 6, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, Wednesday, April 10,

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Coffeedominate withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical center Eighth graders county spelling bee Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Center open Historic trap subdivision club facesapproved closure Sapphire Valley

Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com

speech, occupabyVictoria John Dowd tendent of Schools and Ravalli by by Victoria Howell shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical County Clerk and Recorder. The Howell by Kristin MichaelKruse Howell andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major changes ty for failing to do the proper by The park additional impact on people’s to organizers, it is provided pronouncer wasfrom Lisa therapy services – by shares the tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmental by According John Dowd space filled up soMontgomfast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.oftaxes. It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property estimated that around 11 million ery, Deputy Clerk for Ravalli The Hamilton Ravalli County Eight 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 coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to theaoff loan, Bitterroot Health students ranging from grades four County, and the contest was Commissioners gave condiAccording toon thewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe through eight Howell will take part judgedthe by Jana Exner and Danarea. tional last week toin at nary subdivision A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist MPG Oswald heardis Ramsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Senior the 2025 National Spelling Bee. anticipated Whitesitt. ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates to add approxcomments concern group ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, gave 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 and hunting Bishop said “It Ravalli County participates Oliver an to eighth organization’s 50 years of service, An open house celebration was for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 newPound, children the potential impacts to of residents close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with theinRavalli 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, sothe Scripps National Spelling Bee grader from Hamilton, was the theyas hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root the was started by environment a bunch offar little old by John Dowd ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their program, which takes place winter winner. According to Montgomladies 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 and spring across theto nation. This ery, Pound has countylowering Last weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection of Eight ular trips per day towon the the local of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and been in the area and failing proposal. According Mark Oswald, limited. 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 year will be the 100th anniversary spelling bee before. However, Humane Association participatMile and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in Hamilton. The event served Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai of the and last because ed for event, the first time inThursday aofnationWoodchuck Road east the proposingconflicts, to be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. It included system, and a gorgeous view a ribbon andapplicant incorpo-ofisscheduling payments contributors were the Three programs such as The Bitteron continuing to evening, students from Darby to he will have to turn down going al “slumber party” event. The Creek Road and Florence. TheAccording land is honor being a 100-foot by 100were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains tothededicate rated Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. to club Florence showed up to participate. thethe statefor competition. expand Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. including developed by Laura Watson of whole foot easement the use andHis impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. Sheto said Those payRock Park and theservices. Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, tours of the The county spelling bee was will beRural Alleyah dependent on the Eight Mile event the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was of is the Florence water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily The building isarray now home totalreplacement cost ments come ily of Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and an of food and huge responsibility to honor held atsenior Hamilton Middle School Fire Slyter, another eighth grader, Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife opened the shelter to community represented by the engineerDistrict and contribute on nearby required information lies with care to the patients, to the center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. Along with their terroot Health CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink in honor of the organization’s and all the students that particifromtoFlorence. SlyterRural won sec-and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. members who participated to stay ing company Professional $8,000 the Florence 71 Ranch [the developer], the Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are it as were many who own programs, the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus pated in this county-wide bee wonFire ond place in the Ravalli County the night with theraised animals, among Consultants Inc. (PCI). District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi tdistricts. organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” in their respective school Spelling Bee. 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 andIn peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, All contestants received certifiFirst and second place winnoon 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, Colcates of their participation in the ners also received medals. The organization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated laclub islocally utilized by local schools, little owned Ravalli County Spelling for gave county will go on to repleen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the animals, wore fundraisingSee campaign to fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, said this project courts, ashelter walking aBee, playgroup had winner they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores arefar. aon waning making it that resent the county at the Mon-center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. See the CENTER, page 3 pajamas, played games and more new community construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four years and Triple Creek Ranch, among Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. However, All inthe the in support of used thelease. shelter. with awords 99-year Sixcounty years later, tana Treasure State Spelling pandemic hit and construction others. in the works, costs but folks that own Chapter terThe Root Humane Association bee are from the official “2025 Bee. winner from that bee Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon skyrocketed. As a result, Shelters all over the U.S. and the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive diOne Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured fifth from left, leads a gathering of people involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animal shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael Howell. Regional Qualifier Competition even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land totake the organization where will go on to represent Montana rector, Tom Allsop, has been ilton, may List,” which wasexception provided by 24the Hamilton at theon2025 National Spelling delays due to the same event during the same Bitterroot Health project inKristin a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility the property that had housed Sueby McCormack, who serves on Trap Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kruse. the current shelter is located. The to this, asSpelling they were reSee TRAP, national Bee organizers. Bee Competition. National See SHELTER, page hour period. The event is apage fund-5 pandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new list building replaces an oldand building cently awarded for being This includes 400 words is Spelling Bee events will all take raiser for each shelter, and partictheir vision is that by “outstanding John Dowdmodel do. Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an bytoNathan cumstances, having She adds that the the same listwork usedto inraise everyfunds district placeBoddy between May 26 through ipants each to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important spellingtobee in the nation. No one, May 30 at National Harbor, donate their respective Hamilton City Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling victim way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as contestant or teacher, had seen Maryland. This will also be rebeen providing “quality, Individual businesses day, Marchcommunity 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do the Boxxe at 2025. fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is forthan people Association. will of a “medical center” rather just a the list prior to the night of theforce atferred to asShoppe Bee Week also donated to the fundraiser, accessible, upcoming city projects. However, at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask questions also be County celebrating 50 Bee. Ravalli Spelling More information regarding amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly The new 12-acre campus will 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “morecare” and for more presented with Certificate and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the The event was also coordinated national finals can beoffoundping depot for FedEx, Saturday. isversation a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and Hospital, which about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe with those Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through with help from Regina Plettenafter May 1 at www.spellingbee. There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaid that washave 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, and been steps a lengthy fundand fund berg, Ravalli County Superincom. and Hamilton by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the slumber party, and a barbeOliver Pound, a Hamilton eighth grader, wins the Ravalli County Spelling Bee. Photo byJohn Dowd. lier,to made ityear, into theMara opening.Police After Chiefthe time. Snavely. However, at the end of the Stephen open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating one of them, Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his thepresentation meeting,toduring the non-agenda items In the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoit up, shows the county, ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have been in the Burnt area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but have been so successvation inofthe Bitterroot through on its tax collections and Many the participants that The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet hasthe a other During the public period Police comments. Hamilton Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that over they ful. Joined by showing revenues various projects and programs. spent the night were kids. During 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,” crews that maintain that the signs, and the a show ofmight support. Schmitt to talkhopes by Nathan Boddy thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March explained that he attended a meeting be beneficial to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers or two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having youthand getting to on spend the11th, nightwill with puppiesand at the shelter. awards three winners who can has Participating clear trails Photo for by John Dowd. expenses have only rally spur takenand on possibly the task, is ready 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page hosted byan the County Fish anddepartment’s Stevensville as package: well.”March HernearlyDuring ing11 his experiof the paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in that time, amounted of three people allows them display interest in pursuing Ravalli County Commissioners hikers, housemen, organizing aStaub rally was at the Ravalli $16,000 Russ Lawrence hasand been to share information Wildlife Association Troutence Unlimthoughts were shared bythe several with Ms. one inother cash, commondue tactics for and former council member, public at the next Halfway through celebration. projections in large to do it related all. “We private practice in hismeeting oxygen level fields tocouldn’t conservation, by Victoria Howell mountain bikers, to act. County Administrative Center an employer, and says that he 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 Street be continuing when theneed council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, and ATV/motorcy“We our commission(215 S 4th Hamilton) would never have treated hisdangers ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey to speak on the In discussion on regular agenda In early March, aincustomwas unwittingly sendclaiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. The spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with from a normal of his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addicle users. This also ers to go to the governor, to go on Tuesday, March 11. She says workers with the, “insulting Climbing Management the second regular of aAt proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly included say overCommittee, 100 tothe the city federal representatives, that she’d like to see people and tone” that wasintending Planhumiliating (CMP). The virtual council mayor how local tional council members. meeting of theSteinhoff, two-member According to “I thought was the issue of re-roofing toand send atime package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. Now by John Dowd of that as the executive director. of the winners to receive a Mara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section. Photo by John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate for February of 2021. that 51 is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo employees workto demand our valley gather to the start ofHe the toand recently exemplified by Elon meeting will betoheld on See BOOKS, page 18 should run. “We’ll dobeourthat job, ” Christine said it wasn’t going affect me,on but street shop. According Hamilton viaI government FedEx.prior Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the After it was announced that he would check was Savannah Deuter, Bitterroot, and also ing in timberagent and for 18 years here in the Sometimes be protected. The congress and 9customer a.m. County Commissioners’ Musk. He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only takeThe than Boddy. learned that it would City Public Works Director, Donny was a frequent commenter Gibson into it becausesilviculture. he owns theThese Paper valley. For him, the experiencethey has been On Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, hepresent was asked to speak, and was are got who graduated high school in just January 27, town clerk Jenelle the president pretending meeting, and then Lawrence was referring to in the Army for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 See COUNTY, page 10 seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with do the profile of the Berthoud told the council employees the that these firings Over are going to themselves to the commissionan email entitled, “What didand to late join the meeting. Fivethat fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in August he was was no joke. “It fused and unthe victims that a loved has hurting.” Steinhoff said he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him that he victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and all of it hosted alast well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law andopens the executive completed a she semester ofwas college the last administration. In current Hamilton, was recbutuse wishes required preparation reduce the national debt, but ers when the meeting for from you do week?” which similar public meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Cowboy Ball committee. told that the cancer got badHe I potential felt familiar with course of so her in jail, or that a prizewill about the track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According tochamRato network. then got onto the board hassigns been rewarding.” for members, giving their report, director. Al gave a history of the Yard in“extremely support of federal workers and submitted her transcript that others within the commupublic comment, Crews told ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held in work for timber sales that would be at the cost of comment. sent by the Office of Personnel Freeman said the committee hopes to raise trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won, but a fee needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original roof, which has in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became Al was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof ofbehest compLeting be made available by the Ravalli County Demnity would help her look out 2021. and replant seedlings the entire valley. And what is Schmitt said that the Management at the the council that those makto handle the prosecution $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rodeo and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsomeduring significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said the executive director. 2020. Since then he has been the advithey have planned for the upcoming bers that time that led up to him associated courses. These are ocratic Central Committee. Photo courtesy for their safety. At least one In addition to the after harvest and gained by these firings that intent is to make it very clear of Elon Musk’s Department by John Dowd chines. became sus-taking Shoppe, Staub funds. The getting scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been the state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just old,” he into said. surgery on October was being water Throughout he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition year. During the meeting, it in was also on the the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria applithetime, potential victims Nathan Boddy. opportunity to learn wildfire. Many other she havebill such devastating conse- ofthat that Musk’s cutting of position. federal of Governmental Efficiency In addition to the the heating custom leathpicious when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down on 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 what story of both the Bitterroot Valley 55boarded, board members and participated the role. Al will be retiring in August this announced that long-time member,personnel Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no about and participate in employees supportrecognition quences for the valley are so is“The not without (DOGE), and required Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring high-graded positions in the Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards toAfter Rose Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready taxpayers with the billfederal for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. AlAllen spoke, Jodi stood to to thank Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developthe timber industry. Engineers small in the big picture that social and economic impact workers to submit a list of five working but they had set up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately last 4 help years. Yet these the anycustomgrab the package from aDOGE porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there gle and triumphs,” said Al. He said the organization’s history. According to him for all his and to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another of these requiretreatment the boarding to had bedevelop to be provided with a ride is notand question and Valley. answer” ering, from Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this the road packages, there’s no effect at all on here ina the Bitterroot things theycity had accomplished er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page 21 athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould age inreducfront door it arrives. cuts fired thewhen lowest-paid emthe was doing, or overarching goal for the Chamber has $60,000 him, what was to meant to bebiologists a six-month hethe was only supposed to speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments isprior. that each applicant started 11the years agoor but couldn’t be held last the bank as well asperform to colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covfisheries ing national debt. None.” “The employees are friends, the week Musk had session. “It’s public comment. ” did the work at no charge to opened at the same Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular cash, all of “They always direct the ployees doing all the work ever, members of the public always been to she keep businesses connectappointment to“This the position lasted 12 the pandemic minutes. – has been upgraded thison ber for over 36 years, and spent aX500-word essay dis-much Boxxe Shoppe. duerequired to The day that Overstreet. ersubmit the following agenda documentation by The Bitterroot Star reached neighbors and family,” posted onafter that, “Failure er, dissuading any worries about the the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details of the which was victim tothat send ‘no signature the ground.” The mayor had said previousthe town. “I just wanted to who had tried to access the years, and he enjoyed every moment stated theit,membership cussing the hunting “It’sbefore common sense to me,” year. topics: surgery, he was isfrauduwhen Icheck realized law timber can beRavalli sold.Jodi out to Mark the Bitterroot Nationsaid. “They are not the ‘Deep to respond will be taken as plays a place changeover, itrole will remain of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being required,’” she adds. For his part, Lawrence says Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Oswald hold the given to Deuter by the County Fish and WIldlife Associly that he would be answering publicly thank Joanoffor help-beenshe The Town of recognized attorney Joan Mell, it. “It’s good ride forStevensville 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 aup fully these employees al Forest but was referred to notaAlthough State’. They arecourtesy notThere guiltyFred of 16 resignation.” According CBS diagnosed with that I was art. After two months oftorenovations material. are artists in total lently deThe Bank Secrecy Act that the firings are a slight to ation. Photo Upchurch. said” Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3questions from the public. ing me and helpingyears,” the town, abound when seniors are center, forofficially filling infirefighters, while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives desired accessible. Berthoud asked were not Region Affairs waste andand abuse. To dis- are News, someand federal workers catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. taking Covidflags while hidden behind brown-paper covso far, the owners alwaysOne Public ly, itfraud, was not manded from of 1970 requires banks to the American people, who have beingwho on the other side andfire partaking,” being scammed. “If a person Crews also saidinthat said outcomes ofas the public many held qualifications Director, Kim senior Pierson, inenough. miss these people the they way it like received second request on opened ofPictured Montana Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l towill Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio welcoming more. “We allOverstreet. kinds for patience she worked “I wasa obviously seriously Staub’s first citizen keep track ofr,lost withdrawals effectively their voice when he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and allwildfire of a conversations and assisted during turn referred the Star to the is being done seems criminal, Friday, February 28, which should beofprepared forsaid some its doors March 1.said mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” it comes to the services they through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update National Press Desk. No one, 2 suppression. These cuts will certainly aabout violation of decency indicated that weekly The new business will feature Suzette Smith. encountered commuSee STEVI, page “interesting comments” from depend on. Greg Overstreet talksbusiness hispartner, recent brush with death due tothe Overstreet. “It hit check-ins Jim Crews, former mayor bank to5awithdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria Howell. at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed inhowever, Hamilton.responded See COWBOY BALLwork page 4 See SURVIVING, have significant impact on in time and good governance.” would ongoing. by Photo Michael Howell onsite be custom leatherwork by Karen Some such cirnity. Staub is for page “Federal employees Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 my ‘spidy’and sense tingle.” See PLAN, 2 the Her Schmitt Photo the recreation timber publication. However, infor- makes went onbytoNathan say thatBoddy. According to Lawrence, Lottermoser, one ofpage the owners. were previous participants in the for me and the rest of the industries in Montana andthe Idamation from made as muchbut sense letters thein value the the firings Ravalli County Commissioners work isdemean grounded the of Sheridan-style former gallery, the business plan by John Dowd barns, cowboys, famous artists with a an anonymous On March 9th, members ofLast the week ThisAmerican school year, the Stevensville public,” he said. apho.completed Campgrounds would close source within USFS has told FFA as cutting offchanged one’sflavor arm to lose work donewhich by federal employproved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling features variations on has since Lottermoser and Montana and more. This year Stevensville their FFA fielded teams in twelve “Federal workers are performby ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continuecontests workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations belast unmanaged, presenttheWhile Bitterroot Star participation that 450 weight. “That is what is being ees byHamilton requiring them to coning with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force and Western floral patterns. Inthat addition Smith A business, hails the theme isover pre-statehood, preinor the of fourteen requiring to advance ingqualification jobs that we, the people, tice thetook change atthe all,space. andinvestigation. itor may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After the ing and marketing as one. “We didn’t (DCI) will be doing the Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; ing public health and safety Forest Service employees in done at the federal agencies. tinually justify their existence, MAPS Media Institute to produce aelected video designed to her leatherwork, isaround also RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working toinan enand the contest is still looking agricultural leadership competito thetostate level and secured invitathrough represenby Michael Howell Since January 2,Karen Exit Realty the to some positive growth in the future. the southand portion was purchased want change aour whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, 4:30 1889, According to Hamilton Police Depart- sale, concerns. Timber sales willtions not Montana and Northern Idaho Careless, arbitrary and dangerand comea on the heels ofyoung largeto help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavaccomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber to provide courage love of art in people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify to compete at state in all twelve tatives, said we wanted done. 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 stay on schedule without crews were onfor February ous cutting to simply reduce scale ofTo federal workers ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces furniture to A thelayoffs valley. dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to terminated 12th the and next level competition at the to events. Whether an the agency should exSEIS for new record of decision forest products and jobs; toof unmitigated changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked how thisDraft change will in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on byVictoria Victoria Howell would begrades. possible doing sale prep.” 13.on Stenumbers is just foolish and Studio, that has hundreds inif it The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created aincluded county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships by Howell year, the2023-24 facility took inthe just under pand orofreduce its work force The sign for Jake’s by John Dowd roy, president 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 at 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 inThe effect with the is aastate addressed when the private land was The source concluded by source went on to highway, which cruel.” Montana. Mischief Room May and commissioners all work isHowell done her two casing the loveown of and Florence inthe April. for Stevensville include: insaid view of aitchanging mission, $240,000 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 equipment Lendman that will not change venience Store. The Fortunately, engagement took Snavely stated that an inquest is also roads heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most a drag, Draft treatment units. According to Exit all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re going to‘chainsold toproject aing new and Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The involved creation of adding, “Never has a write, “This included about Schmitt is arranging for Lawrence’s frustration led 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 Mcthat’s a discussion that should Jasmin Shinn, founder and There paid employees; it’sand, an allThe annualAdditionally, Montana Rockies beare no no break from the music, “No according to Kimsuspect Lendman, now the When they sold the fransame company. accord-mostly, in. Photo by John Dowd. place after the threatened andthatValley. standard procedure init,these types of press 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 provides a site-spea Forest Service release and logging trucks, a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding saw’ been proudly used to 200 employees working in the production of lawn signs him to contact Linda Schmitt, ATRowner Smart Procedures is a softschools ininvolved the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education programvolunteer Casland, place individual tal Environmental Statement be1st held in Congress. should Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.organization. Just get up there andItwith play.” current of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north ing 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 oftheclean boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn the state compartments where someone could stash some make indiscriminate and arbirecreation. They toilets that read, “We Support Federal the Chair of the Ravalli County 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, Kyra Desnot be the decision of one (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 it costs about $200 per month to feed Homes in Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked a small 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 trary terminations. The Washand empty trash at campWorkers,” and hopes they can Democratic Central CommitHamilton. However, after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. unelected, unaccountable to Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-man defining old-growth stantreatment withinOn anSaturday, Victor. April 13, the be“gentle theirManagement time, and for others that Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate allareas are Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice these giants.” Then there are asking the community students at schools Stevensville bridge, an that was and negotiated thealso donation are going to under be accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’s [the piece the toadded provide parents a learning opportunity toon see the ington Office sites.ofItthe also included the Center trail find wide distribution. She tee, to gauge her interest in Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and1,000 Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Hackwith noObjective governing experience.” Neely will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is source to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the area designated for insect and resource and financial limitalife-saving to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost last week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in loveby with the Accordingproud tolopes. theofcontest orga-a time engaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team the Last year the the music. This spring festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported ambuespecially this during old-growth habitat disease treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck forof$7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett and Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and were so full will they The project now is lopes andsee fundraiser feature 18accommodate bands these one newer band bytimberland the it,” interesting lance to thecounty. hospital. He expired there in American history thatdense he is believes tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing said Motnot be able to on suitable to by the January 18 deadline pockets of dead and dyhorses. When they’re fi nally ready from representatives of JCCS, an Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. to be more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest law en- had four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be driven or there, the necessary support viable populations having tothe dowith with theparticipation ingfor trees. They claim the area will been through their art contest. The even more, full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side from said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. But then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’t ridden, and some just become “pasture located in from Hamilton. Part of contest the logging idea came a similar art all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, the of old growth, new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place be awhere police officer.” center opened itsto doors in 2020 after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see of the bridge, was offered Town this of land. “It’s two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 That developpets.” selection forHouston, awarding that gift See DUI, page 10 they held in Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, by John Down first created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark rehabilitation of thelevy road after species. ” side The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the isbythe incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty onon the west ofestablished the river,and then suspected cases. different pathogens that infect people confirmed the tick species analyzThe type of tick most commonly was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, 50 years.Creek To doRoad. this, theynoted will door tomistletoe some permanent and for $9.5According One the problems, acOne band that continues to asked return toof Conroy, the the festival’s issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely there have only interesting theas 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. Typical symptoms include fever, but are best known primary ing and mapping its DNA. work known towanted carry the bacterium that ATR to find atry way to astonished, last year, toTheir have that To Johnny contend at the the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community conversations with people,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we asis the Campbell Band, visiting purpose is “to promote and encourevent 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 budwormvector damage. County objects to shifting Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It isin the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the Town headache, fatigue, and amusic.” characteristic of Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, is published Emerging Infectious causes Lyme disease been idenThe original proposal was The next glass recycling in button, cell batteries (out of feature theorganization beauty of has 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 andin occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1commented Horse Aavailable Time Germany where she grew up around from Nashville. They will beevent joined by age old-time bluegrass 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 theNa-of Vickie Motley, park board memof Stevensville. Ierythema think It’s something in general financial burden of the project quences analysis to vegetation, officials have stated that the skin rash called migrans. Ifso which causes Lyme disease. B burgDiseases. RML is part of the NIH’s tified in eastern Montana, according the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info 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 this time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program targetcenter, which isof modeled after a that highly dorferi at new the river ononce the northeast side had channel. Ifto you were toart develop ber, said that nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. left untreated, infection can spread was first identified at RML in tional Institute Allergy and Infecto National Institutes of Health to Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed improve agreement with the proposed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north if you don’t have batteries to recycle thought their successful art said Hafer, saying that entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which because helped the unsure ofThe exactly how theshe College was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. event is abut all share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot is especially passionate about getters. The officer is currently on leave neither the norin any comed towards highly motivated people successful organization Denver, attempted to shut off river on for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem the access problem had been See STEVI, pageto 16 to joints, the heart, and the nervous 1982 and isthe named medical entotious Diseases. (NIH) research. The tick—Ixodes end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you canRunning save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of current twelve Harris 8571 W. Road secretary, Sue Smith. She was Theresilience vote will take place were organization to speak with process worked. Theyadraft were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it isafter contrary to law forest to natural single-microphone type event, with When asked why he loves bluegrass, during this investigation, as iswake stanmunity members, harmed during That check followed inRavalli the horses. She and her husband, a ages 18 and older in both and called “Crosspurpose.” It offers similar and Alliance for the Wild system. mologist Willy Burgdorfer, one of the Bird hunters from Gallatin County scapularis, also known as the deer grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the organizaMay 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the 4 single stage. toimpression Mike Con“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 toon services, to Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a or $25,000 gift intick—is November See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed suit claiming the Montana physicians have diagscientists credited withprogram/FFA itsthat discovery. found theaccording tick in October 2023 on a tick blacklegged typically gallon. Jars and bottles con8th. ing director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education Additional state qualifying events tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community free training, Summit offers six-month program offered Forest officials also received indicator species are Lyme listed in and disease; reduce concern over to drinks fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated to Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to the best nosed resident with disLyme disease was first recognized dogThe used to sediflush pheasants during a impacts found on the East Coast and tained or food may be recycled Cardboard recycling will be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools of all classifications for the Stevensville FFA: ask public foruse help with aMidwest Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college.patients According to also Butler, mentoring, support and friendship to is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment sources in the Willow ease, but infor nearly every caseled they had in thethis near Lyme, Conhuntto Dawson County. The hunters but over many decades hasagradually for amid-1970s fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels can available apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been incredible. This year, they will be giving away compete in FFA includAg Sales 2nd place team by Presenting a check for $7500 from JCCS to Jasmin Shinn (second left) of 1 Horse At rare opportunity to create and wanted hold true.” She the trustees said that voted in previously by a high many believe it to be whoever walks through their doors. Stevens stated that the first phase is RDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, been bitten outside the state, and until necticut. Itbut isSimmerman, now the most gave the$4,700 tick toRescue the Schutter Diagnosmigrated farther west. clear whether there are other roads, Willow Creek Director ofcommon the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stayAndrea on, please remove lids. by the non-profits speaking about the around in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and created, Kayton French, 3rd place community college in the Bit-contest and others with BVCC have levy will beClark, different. The margin. After being associated with theindividual outreach A Time Draft Horse were, l to r: especially Levi CPA, JCCS Branch elk When habitat and didn’t comThis program is the brainchild of called “personal development,” which taking care of draft horses is now, the I. scapularis species hadn’t vector-borne infectious disease in tic Laboratory at MSU for identificaWith help from pheasant hunters 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 of the Regional bulloftrout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they iswent the the district was levy program run by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny,to the non-profit’s mascot and theable toAdminply with theMyla definition of old power duo Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenbeen confirmed inand the state. The the United States with 63,000 tion, and the MSU staff provided the and Montana State University, re-give an expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take thebyESTIMATES form ofagrant four of the twelve chapters arecases in $2 the After Teigen Hackett, Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, page vice chair, Jean Butler, this it its best chance and to public, they did so after being for community funds. ty of Montana. The reality is 65 •FREE IN THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Y OUR H OME I MPROVEMENT C O .COM istrator of the Environmental habitat including meadows, In letter to the Forest fi rst horse that was rescued 1 Horse At A Time. Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch and founder of tify what each individual’s specific growth found in Some theRocky Bitterroot confirmed inValley; thebeing U.S. in 2022, but tickconcerns to RML for genomic approved sequencing. searchers at NIH’s Mountain per pound. The following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” previous years Bitterroot Florence, Victor, would be only the fourth of address the of the for the creation of significantly voted down the center, and co-founder and ExecPaid fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 21 with several hundred thousand more BlackleggedSee ticks can several Laboratories insuch Hamilton See ART, page See TICK, page14 2 SUMMIT, page4 4college cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes and Corvallis. its kind in the(RML) state, and theas oldpublic. acarry community district twice, the wentP.O. back

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

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Locals organize in support of federal workers Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds

Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting

New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task

Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video more participation

sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face fire on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold Butterfly project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday

Glass recycling BVCC gives it one try NIH scientists confirm Lymemore Disease college tick in Montana event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance

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