W W e W eee W ell S ell SS Sell ell
PRST PRST STDSTD PRST STD PRST STD US POSTAGE US POSTAGE US POSTAGE US POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID PAID PAID STEVENSVILLE MT MT STEVENSVILLE STEVENSVILLE STEVENSVILLE MT MT STEVENSVILLE MT PERMIT 89 89 PERMIT 89 PERMIT PERMIT 89 89 PERMIT
icenses lLicenSeS icenSeS l icenSeS l
777-2822 03•4 •H777-2822 w y 9N. 3 N. • • 40344Hwy 93 St4039 evensHWY ville 93 93 NN N Stevensville, 4034 HWY 93 406.777.2822 STEVENSVILLE (406) 777-2822 STEVENSVILLE www.am m oandmorestore.com www.ammoandmorestore.com
OOUTLET utlet StOre STORE OUTLET STORE
Fall or alyOur lyour your a Am mmmunition unition FOr*all mmunitiOn For or all a F your a &H unting N eemmunition ds *LH aunting runting ge selectin oneedS of AR-15 Rifl fle es & & H n eedS & Hunting needS
www.ammoandmorestore.com www.ammoandmorestore.com
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 Volume XLI, Number 43 Volume XXXVII, Number 37 29 39 Volume XXXIX, Number 35 30 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume XXXIX, Number 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
www.bitterrootstar.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, May 6,2022 2026 Wednesday, February 9, 2022 Wednesday, January 26, 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2, April 10,
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ Tourism loan saving local businesses Coffee withheld theCandidate Candidate! Eagles in winter Coffee with the Groundbreaking for medical center Bitter Root Humane Association Three Every Mile Community Center open Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville Every Tuesday 7am - 9am at the Frontier Cafe in Stevi
by Victoria Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com by Victoria HowellStephen Kowal shelter. $140,000. for Ravalli County Find out more at could stephenkowal.com Howell by Michael Howell andAccording wells. Irrigation will be Commissioner concerns about the potenherald major by Kristin Kruse Thechanges park
speech, occupa-
a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical ty for failing to do the proper additional impact on people’s Paid by STEPHEN KOWAL FOR RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONER, Box 131 Stevensville, 59870.in similar therapy services – provided by for shares from tial impacts toPOthe roads, to MTother the subdivision review the environmental by John Dowd space filled up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.of It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property taxes. The Ravalli County Eight Mile Creek Company. public safety, to wildlife, and process across the state impacts by handing off its the including therapy The event drew over 220 people the presentation into other rooms and the Sheep Creek Mine proposal. The Hamilton TrapThree Club has Schmiedeke, coming, but the new the decision In addition to thea loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording to the prelimito the rural character of the was also discussed. In that mandated duties to other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people were lined up out the door. Ramsey is a founder of the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. “It was Mile Center is up who serves on to take out project was for by the been fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held aaCommunity groundbreakby Michael Howell anda cut the ribbon atpaid last week’s tional approval last week to the subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper Missouri agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG Oswald heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as well as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Senior ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments expressed concern Waterkeepers and a group ous specific, documentable, was attended by people from all over Ranch in Florence, gave a presentatation in Darby and contacted him, a resident of the West Fork. He has Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the the project. Center (the official name) trap enthusiasts and hunting Bishop said “It An open house celebration was organization’s 50 years of service, for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents living close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and in school Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sothey 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 beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was 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 Humane Association’s (BRHA) new ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay by John Dowd cussed during that meeting. volving Loan Fund Grant (Touranother local applicable, officialcontribute to the local econothe facility open of agricultural land and 264 new vehicalready experiencing a Hills in subdivision challenged the decreasing water abunHelena even into Idaho. This (RCFWA), on Creek by the Bitterroot chapter are of Trout Unmetal contamination rivers. HeFarmers has ingformerly contains athe large meeting they started State and rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also functions as Mine a District built just of Sheep Last weekend the Bitter Julie Foster, the executive ism RLF). The RLFpublished awarded ly recognized destination Indonations Montana, especially the animal located on Fairgrounds bunch ofmy. little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular trips per day to the local lowering of static water levels both Broadwater County and been dance in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, limited. Ramsey, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according totostewhave because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit supporting the Stevensville at the Humane Association participatOn April 12, the Bitterroot director of the Ravalli County access to over $1 million to the ardship organization. western part of the state, agriculMile and Upper road system. Additionally, having tothe Bitterroot 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 on 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, 19 corner of Kootenai Chamber of Commerce county Concerns and allows a Racene Friede is the presiture and tourism are the the page top two ed for the first time in partnered aofnationWoodchuck Road east the be drilled deeper. Resources and Conservation aquifer. double purpose. included Board, said, “This organization has system, and a gorgeous view a ribbon andapplicant incorpo- is proposing to payments contributors were Three programs such as It The Bitteron continuing to with Glacier Country Montana partnership between dent and CEO of Glacier Counindustries and economic drivers. al “slumber party” event. Creek and Florence. The land is honor being a 100-foot 100- up the were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Road Bitterroot Mountains tothededicate rated in 2014. Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new “We a“Thus, long since itCounty was root According toThe club have tobybuild for a Blasters. “lunch and learn” event toof foot easement the state, local ecotry Montana and was the main Itisistechnically imperative that services. thethat statethe and expand Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. developed by Laura Watson for the use and impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about correct the west.including She said the Those payRock 50 Park andago. the Rapp Fammembers, hundreds of kids have facility, tours of the whole started about years I feel a speak with various businesses on nomic development speaker at the April 12 event. businesses therein tap into that. assets that we have.” event the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was of is the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily The building isarray now home total cost come ilyPart Foundation. John Bishop, participated in an that program building, and of food and huge of responsibility honor tourism. Efforts toBitimprove tourorganizations and During that “lunchments and learn,” of doing that istothe opened the shelter to community represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby required information lies with care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. Along their terroot Health CEO, drink inhaving honor of thewith organization’s who havetaxes comelevied before ism are broader effects onstay local destination Friede gave a bit of a “state those of lodging on us all and over- ” members who participated to Julie Foster, ing company Professional $8,000 to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], the Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are were many volunteers who own programs, the club supports said. local businesses than many may stewardship organithe valley” talk regarding tourstays. This includes camp50th birthday. make it night as good as he it can be as we set said 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 over understand, and a raised major talking zations. ism and techniques for helping grounds, dorms, hotels, motels, Executive Director, Ravalli Hedgeby John Dowd the course for the nextLois 50 years.” The private non-profi t organization Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners and point during that meeting was The latter of businesses in the area. lodges and more. In Montana, peth, chair the McCormack said that the ofwithout was fiSaturday rst organized inuse 1972.SunIn 1984, County Economic Authorityover a proposed noon and 12 noon gle-family residential received dozens of written subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The the negative pushback from the those, for the area, Friede reframed the conversathere are two lodging taxes, The Montana Hope Project. The Itparticipants is often saidstayed that Mile Community Senior Center board l to r,He Colconducted successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County thatmembers, DNRC. criticized the organization counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the Three is proud that general contractor donated local population against bringing would be Glacier tion early, stating, “Everyone has including the 1987afacility use laclub is utilized by local schools, little locally owned leen 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, gave said this project courts, atourism. walking path,Boy a playgroup had they didn’t in more Country Montana. been a visitor somewhere.” She lodging tax and the 2003 lodging Teller Wildlife Refuge, Scouts bookstores are aon waning See CENTER, page pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then the Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised Bitterroot about have run Those efforts are ongoing, Development AuthorIn fact, to qualify for the Tourmentioned how just sales tax, which total up to years 8% 3 has been four and Triple Creek Ranch, Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound asgoing Bit-toout business. However, the among Economic in support of the shelter. pandemic hit and construction costs with a 99-year lease. Six years later, and for tourism businesses in the ity (RCEDA), is trying to get the ism RLF, applicants need a letter of town and staying at a hotel, on the sale of these transactions. others. in the works, but folks that own Chapter terabout Root the Humane Association Member Suefrom McCormack to to cuteat theorribbon Shelters all over the U.S. valley, there isBessenyey another option word out Tourism DeofBoard recommendation West- prepares going out buying gas are That money goes back variskyrocketed. As a result, the into group in 1990, the estate deeded The current executive di- and One 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 held the available now that was also disvelopment and Enhancement Reern Montana Glacier County or considered tourism, and these had to take out aSee mortgage to finish the land totake the organization TOURISM, page 2 rector, Tom Allsop, has been where ilton, may exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had housed Sueby McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kristin Kruse. the current shelter is located. The to this, as they were re-is apage See TRAP, See SHELTER, page hour period. The event fund-5 pandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and partictheir vision is that by “outstanding John Dowdmodel Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an bytoNathando. Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the ipants each work to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important donate to their respective shelters. Hamilton City Council 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 been providing “quality, Individual community businesses day, March 5They to discuss several there was not they to do by John Dowd a failure, and much many of the knew force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people Association. will of a “medical center” rather than just a also donated toprojects. the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, animals were euthanized. upcoming city at the time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 S. 1st Street, was recently As aneed certified to ask also be celebrating 50 However, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said thatquestions Marcus Daly The new 12-acre campus will care” for 90 people years. many who visit Montana, elk arewith Withitlessons learned when of theFor meeting opened, concern looka into ashealth “more and more presented Certificate of ping depot for FedEx, and start the conyears operation. Murphy. She led the Saturday. Hospital, which isversation a critical with access as good a symbol as any of following the Rocky from the first the about the Sheep Creek mine are talking about this.”the Farrenkopf Inattempt, recent years, theyShoppe provide primary, care, urgent care and Appreciation by Mayor DomiBoxxe those Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through There were over 35 participants Mountains, just as theweeks bisonnic represent second attempt a plan a meeting held aaccordcouple earsaid thatHamilton washave all saw he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Farrenkopf and 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 barbethe plains. However, in amuch of the state, thechange. The elk were shipped lier, made it into the opening. After time. However, at the end of the Police Chief Stephen Snavely. open package which doesn’t nation for quality by Staub the national rating to one of them, Every year, theMara Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest inreleased all theacommucue was held ata noon on Saturday, bricks.” there was time when we almost lost on an early train and that, the council said goodbye to his the meeting, during the non-agenda items In presentation to 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 all of the community tois Numerous Bald Eagles have been the Burnt Fork area lately to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos both. are familiar with the storycongregating of discussion into an in area near the Daly nities of the Bitterroot, When itMany comes beloved long-time city clerk, who period, several the counCouncil on March Chief label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways they ciation works to not affect conseroverall, doing very well the bison, but as many know the story Stock15th, Farm. The animals visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but have been so successvation in the Bitterroot through on its tax collections and of the elk, and the part the Bitterroot were placed in the special Many ofthe thepublic participants thatperiod The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet has a the hospital with During comments. Hamilton Police Department so in the presence of she knows that they ful. Joined by the other showing revenues over various projects and programs. Valley played in the tale. fenced-in area and allowed to 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. “become vocal about a being witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One such program is their Two pieces of that historytoSteinwere just more acclimate before finally the slumber party, participants host a public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February is hoff stood toNeyenhuis, address council. He said council member Jenny “It the He was home for don’t fool on around! the good things that happen able toWest. uncover to departments say12th. they This are shipand Marisa most while hung the wall inthe the Hamilton Volunreleased into the Sapphire scholarship program, which took part in a “tortilla slap game,” this 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 or Overstreet, two or three days. by Michael Howell teer Fire Department last week, comMountains, East of Hamilton. Luther believes having expenses have only Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. awards three winners who can 30th from 6ato 8 p.m. See PETS, page hosted byan the Ravalli County Fish and and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” HernearlyDuring that time, ing11 his department’s of the paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee pleting long story of restoration and Thatexperisecond shipment an attorney in amounted of three people allows them display interest in pursuing to share informationand Troutence Wildlife Association thoughts were shared bythe several with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 inother cash, commondue tactics for renovation. also carried 40 animals, 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, Unlimby Victoria Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr.appears Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include On April 30, the two elk mounts that to including three five-point 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 be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey to speak onhall thewere dangers In discussion regular agenda send-from a normal of hung inwith the old fire re-mounted bulls and sixteenon calves, with In early March, a customwas unwittingly claiming county’s performance have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. The spread sciences. event. Freeman is also thethat chair of the Rodeo diagnosed hisbeen efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular in the new fire hall. These elk have the rest being cows. No elk of a proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, the first to be brought er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing to aforward scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought council and mayor how local tional council members. in the fire department’s possession for were injured in the second meeting of the two-member According to Steinhoff, was the issue of re-roofing the city intending to send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the funds edthat throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which hebudgeted started 1995. for Now by John Dowd of that as the executive director. of theBOOKS, winners to receive aMara Lynn Luther sitstime in Chapter One’s used books section. Photo John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A realin estate February ofas2021. 51 by is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will be held on See page 18 nearly long as elk have been the attempt. Fast forward government should run. He to “We’ll dobeour job, ” Christine said it wasn’t going to affect me,on but street shop. According to Hamilton viaIin FedEx. Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, After it was announced that he would Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and also He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only than Boddy. in exactly astake long. 2021, the population of Bitlearned that itfact, would just City Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes was a frequent commenter Gibson retiring, he was asked to speak, and was got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, the experiencethey has been Onvalley; Wednesday, March 27, the who graduated high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle the Army valley. for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link Kurt Kohn is a taxidermist in Hamterroot elk was around 7,600, 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 theSteinhoff meeting. Five ilton who restored thethat two elk mounts. according toand Montana Fish, maintefundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in August he was was no joke. “It fused and unOver the victims that a loved has hurting.” said he heard plow storage for other hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the executive suggested to him that he victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and all of it completed a she semester of college the last administration. In currentfrom Hamilton, was recbutuse wishes He isthe also ameetings school counselor at Darby Wildlife and Parks. similar audience that was having good as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee. told that cancer got I potential felt familiar with of so herbad landed in jail,rewarding.” or that a prize about the track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According tochamRa- course director. Al gave a history of the to network. He then got onto the board has been “extremely for members, giving their report, and submitted her transcript that others within the commuSchools and has a passion for history. He Those elk, among other public comment, Crews told ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held in Freeman said the committee hopes to raise trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won, but a fee needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original roof, which has in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became Al was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding nity would help her look out was firstproof askedof incompLeting the late ‘90s tothe work on later attempts at re-intro-to handle the prosecution 2021. council that those mak$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 they have planned for the upcoming bers during that time that led up to him the executive director. 2020. Since then he has been the adviassociated courses. arethe process. chines. the elk and went toThese appraise duction, are likely the source for their safety. At least one In addition to the by John Dowd 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 taking on the position. Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition into year. During the meeting, it was also the former YouTube chantwo He of several criteria applidetermined that there was no savof the majorityto ofthe the elk in of the potential victims she opportunity to learn In addition custom leathpicious when now commonly use a getting legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down on the heating 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 “The 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 ing the original capes, as there was not the western part of the state, 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.” Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. Al spoke, Jodi stood to thank enough left to salvage. as well as those that made it 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, Rivthe work of more than a dozen local approximately customthehelp package a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked ifset there anyHe redid the first elk andthe finally comand into parts ofHe said gleinto andIdaho triumphs,” said Al.ering, theCovid-19. organization’s history. According towith him forgrab all his tofrom remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy balland – which actually Another of these requiretreatment in the boarding to be to be had provided a ride is not a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, a new business has recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page 21 athing new Facebook page. Hower’s age and $60,000 in or front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or even could pleted the second almost 30 years later. Canada. Mitchell has been with the Chamoverarching goal for the Chamber has him, what was meant to be a six-month he was only supposed to speak for 10 ments is that each applicant started 11 years ago but couldn’t be held last year to the bank as well as to the colon journey. like,” recalls week’scancer meeting will location. covsession. “It’s public comment. ” their did work the work no charge opened atofthe Howevartists have not shown in at the particular cash, all of to to the position lasted 12 “They always direct the ever, members of the public Part thesame delay was finding good-sized, But, the story of businesses the ber for over 36 years, and spent much always been to keep connectappointment minutes. 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 theBitterroot Bitterroot before, so there details of the which was to victim to send it, ‘no signature Theanimayor had said previousthe town. “I just wanted quality to match the original elkValley does not stop who had tried to access the years, andI he enjoyed every moment cussing thecapes role hunting plays “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership year. topics: surgery, he was is when realized changeover, it will remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being fraudurequired,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associmals. The second elk was done using thehe there. be According to what little ly that would answering publicly thank Joan for helpThe Town of recognized attorney Joan aup Mell, of it. “It’s been a good ride forStevensville 29“This numbers have been “trending every she says, pointing out that red Facebook page said ithiswas not • cape Review overall is the first year we’ve ever done fully diagnosed with I was not art. After two months ofson renovations material. There are the 16 artists in total lentlythat UnfortunatedeThe Bank Secrecy Act from an elk shot in the Big information exists, two ation. Photo courtesy Fred Upchurch. years,” said Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3 questions from the public. ing me and helping the town, ” flags abound when seniors are center, for filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud catered dinner,” said Freeman. Thebanks University COVID-19. taking Covid while hidden behind brown-paper far, elk andofthe always Hole and donatedasked to the process. the owners Hamiltonare Volly, it covwas notso bull manded from of 1970 requires to being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person also said that they said outcomes ofKohn, the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service will provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l to r, Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s opened more. “We like allOverstreet. kinds seniorseriously itworked wasStudio about “restoring unteer Fire Department have for patience as she “I wasFor obviously enough. Staub’sCrews firstwelcoming citizen keep track of withdrawals he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should some Montana history,” “the story be been therefor since atLottermoser’s least 1914. its doors March 1.said and in fact, ofprepared mediums,” said Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayorthey’re Steve dinner. Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update is Bitterroot, but it is also a much bigger According to Kohn, who The new business will feature business partner, Suzette Smith. encountered the commuSee STEVI, page 2 “interesting comments” from Greg Overstreet talks about his recent brush with death due to Overstreet. “Itformer hit Jim Crews, mayor bank to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at some 901ofS. 1startists Street in Hamilton. See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page than leatherwork that.” research when by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsitestory custom byPhoto Karen Some the displayed such cirnity.See Staub is Covid. by Victoriadid Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 “Many take the elk for granted, like he learned about the true Photo by Nathan Boddy. Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her were previous participants in the they have always beenSheridan-style there,” said Kohn, barns, potential age ofbut these elk, with County Commissioners apwork is grounded in the former gallery, thetwo business plan by John Dowd cowboys, famous artists a On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensville but in reality, the elk were all but wiped one of the earliest possible 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 Dowd the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue workbyJohn John Dowd partment of Criminal Investigations out in the 1880s. Commercial hunting, a of accounts that can be verified ing with the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith the A Hamilton business,In that hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change at all,space. and itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After the ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the investigation. practice of no-limit harvesting for the sale comes from an elderly person the commissioners stated Protection Agency. The letter National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a video designed to her leatherwork, isaround also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working enthe contest is still looking agricultural leadership competito the level and secured invitaby Michael Howell Since January 2,Karen Exit Realty the to some positive growth in the future. the southand portion was purchased want tostate change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, 4:30 1889, According to Hamilton Police Depart- sale, of meat, hide, bone and antlertoin for income, whoand has since died. The to help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavaccomplished woodworker, creating thatthe “Ravalli objects contains recommendations manage timber tobytions provide Plan. courage athe love ofPolice artthrough in young people forment participants. Participants must in Butts, their yearlong effortCounty to tions compete at state in all twelve Bitterroot has gone some big LastChief year, the previous Exit Realty Kathy and north by qualify out of to the gate,” said Lendman. chief cause. person said he saw the elk p.m.was Hamilton officers were of Police, Steve Snavely, See ART, page 6 ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces from furniture to the valley. To do this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th for the next level of competition at the events. forest products and jobs; and to unmitigated to concerning the Draft SEIS for A new record of decision changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. When asked how this change will Fortunately, there were still a number there when he was a boy, in in a shooting with if a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell it would be possible The DUI Task Force approved the creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a county-wide contest, showgrades. 95th State FFA Convention in Billings 2023-24 district championships by Victoria Howell year, the facility took in just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steof protected elk in Yellowstone National 1920, and that they had been by John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though the franchise has split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, suspect at for the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. thewhen Gold Butterfly. Concernwas issued on 17, retain old growthwith status all county toart, put envelopes onDecember January 18, filing objecby Victoria his property which would in effect theinhighway, whichowned/maintained is aastate addressed the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and commissioners all her work isHowell done her two casing the participant’s loveown of Corvallis and Florence schools inthe April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. Park. These animals would then be used there a long time. “So,” Kohn venville’s main drag, beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will a es might affect them. Fortunately, rights that pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Exit Realty is still the Lendman said that it will not change venience Store. Theby engagement took Snavely stated that an inquest is also ing the scope of the analysis treatment units. According to roads from heavy equipment 2021 accompanied by a Draft all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because now you’re going to sold to a new owner and Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The project involved the creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney Mctoafter repopulate much ofthreatened theand West, and the Valley. said, “we know that they were Jasmin Shinn, founder There are no paid employees; it’s an allThe annual Montana Rockies be no break from the music, and, “No according to Kim Lendman, now the When they sold it, the fransame company. Additionally, accordin. Photo by John Dowd. place the suspect and standard procedure in these types of kopf, activities director put valentine cards The Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre park onwelcome the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-priand logging mostly, the letter quotes the BitterSEISinthat provides a least site-spea Forest Service press release set of easily accessible items that hadThe secret hiding ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley are to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement earliest attempts to do so took place there in at the ‘20s.” Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up. Just get up there and play.” current owner of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1 Horse volunteer organization. But Shinn said 12 reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. really cil split on whether to accept just to the north of oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs to theKyra state where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide about piece 90% of proposed but not limited to, theitimpacts cific forest plan amendment the Bitterroot Valley. Many inhave the fire department 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 seen tremendous supcosts about $200 per month to feed At A Time Draft Horse Rescue Homes in Hamilton, isan moving liked the idea. He asked two elk reunited after 30 years, inand Kurt Kohn’s taxidermy They areaand being to sentfishing to the Hamilton a small piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted theThe county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour -shop. there isprepared aflask developed access site. drugs orthe hide small ofbewhiskey. The aim was In March of 1912, attempt was believe they were there earliHamilton. However, after to include the contest in their curricutural careers practices during Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. Management Wildlife Reto Willow Creek Road. Due to defining old-growth stantreatment areas are within an Victor. On April 13, the thesebe“gentle their Ifirst time, and for others that Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate all Fire Department. Butterfly Project, a40Bitterroot facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice giants.” there are asking the community students Photo by John Dowd. Stevensville an that was at schools and negotiated the donation ofVolunteer the are going to Saturday, be accidents there.” “But think it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning opportunity toon see the made to bridge, ferry animals to somewhere er objections than that, asto early as 1914 Montana, the organization owners lum. school day under the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn HackNeely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is resource and financial limitasource Objective to “Maintain area designated for insect and dards. Some the life-saving measures to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost lastForest week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for the various ways in which any young person can hide near Hamilton by train car. According or pre-WWI. and team have fallen in loveby with the Accordingproud to theofcontest orga-a time attempt. engaging ofmusic agmean teachers ett, 1st individual with see those elkplace uptreat. in the fire hall highlighted for theteam If this is true, it would Last year the envelopes. the music. This spring festival always asufficient Conroy 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 Valenspecial envelopes and presented with a check for $7500 other associated costs to rehabilitate meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use the land is to the town. “I city to have, whether or not you put their substance use from casual inspections. to an article written by Jim Harmon for It is believed that the two elk hung includes nearly 13,000 acres next members 100 years.” they are theHackett grandfathers of nearly18 every state and the people. One of the ways nizers, last yearhistory there over 210 Josette andfeature Trevor Motley. Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and were so full will they Thewere project is now is lopes and fundraiser bands these one newer band bytimberland the interesting lance to the county. hospital. He expired there in that he believes tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see adyliability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motnot be able toand accommodate on suitable to by the January 18 deadline pockets ofelk dead and horses. When they’re finally ready from representatives of JCCS, an the Missoula Current in 2021, the first inAmerican the firehall were part ofdense that original Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, That pride is shared by Hamilton Volin the western part of the state 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 and was pronounced seeing the member lowesttwo support for law enfour years resident. Then people shipment came from Gardner to Hamilherd; potentially of the three original piece, which is located adjacent to the Council Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he looked up the ley. “There are so many cars out there, said what she tells parents is, “If you don’t look, accounting fi rm with a branch for adoption, most can be driven or the necessary maintenance support viable populations ing trees. They claim the area mostly having to do with the unteer Fire Captain Travis Walker. Walksurrounding western states. been through theirtreatment art contest. The even more, with full participation their knowledge to thefor testfree, as FFA Conduct of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative than once. growing every year. These bands will play and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. The ago, a resident came could drop off valenton. During that shipment, huge crowds bulls from the first shipment were put Bitterroot River on the northwest side from said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes and found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. But then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you erthe helped take the elk down, which was adon’t Whether they are from those original 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 during the project, of old growth, new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 55,000 acre area oftowhile The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office isenveapiece great place be police officer.” center opened itsto doors in 2020 after gathered, scaring thethat elk they down. “The timeline is atoo narrow to See say to Farrenkopf to see tines to were fill the of the bridge, was offered the Town this of land. “It’s where two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if youDUI, have prop-10 page 10 are chore, asKealie theyto were bolted onto the wall re-introductions or not, they a part oflevy pets.” selection forHouston, awarding gift See page they held in Texas right af- impacts These also include Trapper Creek Job VALENTINES, tioned career and leadership developett, Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, first to be created in the last “Itheads really the beetle, in 2020. That first was the drawing board. by John Down rehabilitation of the road after species. ” The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank beetle, Douglas-fir bark hour. Ezzell on bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with the departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their on the train. Several elk wereuse injured they aren’t connected,” said Kohn. Oth- opened forest in the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for as a roads converge, the is incrediit would be maintained and utilized erty on the west side of the river, then from the outside. According toproblems, Walker, alland the history of elkand inpermanent the Bitterrootand Valley 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 contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, 50 years. To do this, they will door to some interesting asked for $9.5 One of the acOne band that continues to return According to Conroy, the festival’s issued a press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only during that process as well as during the erwise, they could have been the calves the Draft SEIS limits the scope dwarf mistletoe and western the project is complete. Ravalli Willow Creek Road. together to decide what was needed just to the north of Fort Owen State potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially consoland the overall story of the Rocky Mountains eastwanted of Corvallis. ATR to find atry way to astonished, last year, to that To Johnny contendCampbell at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea cording to Butler, was, “we as“Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community conversations million, which Butler said ispeople,” the Band, visiting purpose isits “toenvironmental promote and encourunloading. The shipment was considered or two of three bulls in the second event andtenure investigation. However, been three these types ofhave shootings. See ELK, page 3Town Park is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or not needed in the community. They with tain elk. Kohn said he isrecycling just “excited to County objects to in shifting of conseNational Forest spruce budworm damage. During the of former issues… It the isof the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the The original proposal was The next glass event in button, cell phone batteries (out of feature the beauty of the state and much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the is the charm,” commented to pass a levy, which BVCC Germany where she grew up around Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time from Nashville. They will be joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information is available at However, these are always a danger of nonprofit organization that offers a came up and with the conceptpart of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the owner ofand land channel the deepest of the in general Vickie Motley, parkat board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think something quences to vegetation, financial burden of the project officials that the the Bitterroot 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, oris above the district Hackett withdrawn in of vote 2020side Bitterroot Community has triedhave to dostated twice before their recent “Ask ber, and Listen” because the trustees Bitterroot Community horses. She’s always been horse was one ofValley the top four bands from all over the valley, Mis- were MRBA has 300 members, andfan, they this time. the job, but he added that fortunately, center, which is were modeled after a that highly free career training program targetat the river on the northeast had channel. If you to develop said that nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. the pileated woodpecker and agreement with the proposed to Ravalli County and believe project is designed to improve 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 unsure ofThe exactly how theshe College was.” However, there College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which because helped the 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 end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 Running W. Road The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major secretary, Sue Smith. She was it is contrary to current law pine forest resilience tomembers, natural were the Ravallisingle-microphone County type event, with adraft When asked why bluegrass, during thisolder investigation, as is stanmunity harmed during horses. Shemarten. and he herloves husband, a That check followed the wake ages 18 and in Wild bothinRavalli and called “Crosspurpose.” It project, offers similar and Alliance for the grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will beinsects the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the 4 single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances like fire, Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. services, according to Stevens. Missoula Counties. In addition toon military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember 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 public desired an independent nature of the community tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. free training, Summit offers six-month offered species are listed in Forest officials also received and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks or relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20fromcareer Tractor Supply. 406-549-4171 agency failed to the best tained food be recycled Cardboard be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. chapter. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler, ask public foruse help with a the mentoring, support and friendship to is broken down into three acre available farm which Shinn saidteam canitsupport That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip thefor Forest Plan, but county owned and maintained mentwanted sources in Willow for a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete in FFA includ2nd place led by Presenting a the check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by aStrobel rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and to hold true.” She the trustees said that this voted inofpreviously high Ag Sales many believe itistonot be Stevens stated that thegiving first phase isJasmin whoever walks through their RDOequipment.com about 20 horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stay on,AA but please remove lids. Sponsored by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individual levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t comThis program the brainchild of called “personal development,” which taking care ofisdraft 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. terroot. According tohorses trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they is went to the the district was levy program run Kamryn by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso 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. See GOLD, page 5 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 6 •FREE ESTIMATES IN THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Y OUR H OME I MPROVEMENT C O . COM istrator of the Environmental In a letter to the Forest habitat including meadows, 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, significantly voted down would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of the center, and co-founder and ExecPaid for by Brad Davis, P.O. Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page 21 ART, page 44 SeeSee SUMMIT, page
Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years
Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting Historic elk mounts return to fire hall on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball Climbing Plan
Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good
scheduled
Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds
Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting
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 more college try event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance
Treat Mom to the gift that keeps on blooming!
Davis for Senate Dist. #44
Gift Certificates VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN THE Available
1996. Annuals, Vegetables, Perennials. SOUTHGATE177Est.Golf MALL ToCourseProtect Heritage 493-0051 Rd • Hamilton •our 406-363-0212