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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume XLI, Number Number 8 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, April26, 10,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Stevi addresses growth, budget Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Centercenter open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville
by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse
Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com
speech, occupa-
shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major ty for failing to do the proper Thechanges park additional impact on people’s therapy services – provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmental by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.oftaxes. It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property by John Dowd meetings, especially those coming up. On gather and include information on the the update. The survey sought The Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing its the aoff therapy theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. over 220 people The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to theresponses loan, Bitterroot Health September 10, the planning and zoning greater Stevensville area into the update. from the community on public interest. 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 Community Center is up who serves on to take out a project was paid for by the been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’s cities and towns innary will have HDR Engineering Every Thursday town has a progress Another note of importance during the It tional last week to theOswald subdivision isRamsey’s area. A attend substantial number of the case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at MPG heard presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. andIncorporated running. Located at 4433 both plat theboard park loan Three Mile Community Senior Valley since 1947. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning thebeen ing last Wednesday Montana are required by state law toanticipated to give ainpresentation on past andhim, future check-up, and theWaterkeepers monthly planning and update process for theofficial town has the Sapphire Valley Estates to add approxcomments expressed concern a project. group ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, a presentatation Darby and contacted a resident of the West Fork. Heand has was attended by people from all over Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the the Center (the name) trap enthusiasts andgave hunting Bishop said organization’s 50 years of service, “It An open house celebration was review their growth policies at Ravalli least every town projects. They willone also havethe an potential zoning board are thein second including feedback from various sources, for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do about the impacts tomeetings of residents living close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the asking if he could with a Ph.D in microbiology and school western Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east side community She saidto 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 five years. However, the last update to open house in October, on a date to be Wednesday of every month. such as schools, libraries and more. This ment on a 49.22-acre parcel the Florence-Carlton School existing wells in the area that the proposed Horse Creek to the environment such as complex that will be County Fish Wildlife Association RCFWA. The event was co-sponsored specifically studied the effects of heavy da, and Missoula, and as far away as of Lonecompete Rockand Park. The center board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, and honebuildtheir Stevensville’s policy was in 2016. Because announced. Currently, town department update will speak on growth preferences 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicalready experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on Creek by the Bitterroot chapter are of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers.heHeFarmers has ladies Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains athe large meeting they started State in rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also functions as Mine a new built just of Sheep Last weekend Bitter of this, the Townlocated ofthe Stevensville is inular the tripslimited. The planning and zoning board has are looking what theiraccording areas will across the community, and these things animal on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight per day to the local lowering of staticads water levels both Broadwater County and been in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, Ramsey, according to Oswald, published overat70 papers, 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 the Stevensville at thesupporting Humane Association participatmiddle of updating its policy, a document representation from the town council, specifically need and will come back will affect every part of Stevensville. Mile and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in Hamilton. The event served Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in Bitteraofnationthat will inform development town the county commissioners and members with those updates by early OcTown officials, Mayor Bob19 Woodchuck Road east the is proposing to be drilled deeper.together Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “Thisincluding organization has double purpose. It included a ribbon system, and a gorgeous viewand andapplicant incorpopayments contributors were the Three programs such as The on continuing to al “slumber party” event. Creek Road and Michalson, say the way community iswas unique projects for the next several years. Key outsideby and inside thewere Stevensville tober. Town officials say thisover is usually a Florence. The land is honor being dedicate a 100-foot 100also expressed about the (DNRC) thereasonable. process and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains tothe rated 2014. Mile Fire District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new in from come a“Thus, long since itCounty root Blasters. According toThe club expand services. Bitterroot shelter branded their in its focus on the pool and parks. “If it in this is the planning and zoning board, community. Additionally, Great West 12-month process, and they hope to have Hwy 93. including developed by Lauratours Watson of whole foot easement impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. She said the for the use and Those payRock Park and the Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, of the event the “Slumber Pawty,” which wasn’t for donations and the people that which is reviewing and recommending Engineering is helping the town with the this done by the coming March. “We’re bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was benefit of is the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide the statutorily The building isarray now home total cost ments come ily of Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in an that program building, and of food and huge responsibility to honor opened the shelter to community pitch in, things wouldn’t get done down changes. engineering and construction perspectiThe town and planning and zoning represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby required information lies with care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. Along their terroot CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honor of thewith organization’s members who participated to stay board also received the results of a there,” Michalson. Town officials, and the board, ve. The engineering firm is also working 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 itsaid were many who own programs, the club supports said. make as good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus the night with the animals, among community survey, which will help focus recommend that the public attend their on the county side of things, helping to 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 See STEVI, on page charities and has raised over Hedge- 4 by John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners and chair the McCormack said that the ofwithout was fiSaturday rst organized inuse 1972.SunIn 1984, noon and 12 noon gle-family residential dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a peth, subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Hope Project. The received ItMontana is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated laclub islocally utilized by local schools, little owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the animals, fundraisingSee campaign to fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts, ashelter walking a wore playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are aon waning See the CENTER, page 3 pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. the among in support of thelease. shelter. with a 99-year Six years later, pandemic hit and construction others. in the works, costs but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon Shelters all over the U.S. and skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive diOne Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured fifth from left, leads a gathering of people involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animal shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael Howell. even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land totake the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been ilton, may exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health project inKristin 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 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. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and 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 theirCity respective Hamilton 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 been providing “quality, Individual businesses day, Marchcommunity 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is forthan people Association. will of a “medical center” rather just a also donated to the fundraiser, accessible, upcoming city projects. at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask questions also be celebrating 50 However, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more presented with Certificate of care” ping depot for FedEx, The new 12-acre campus will and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. isversation a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and Hospital, which about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe with those Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know co-owners, and been steps a lengthy fundand fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the slumber party, and a barbelier,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,” thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. expenses have only or awards three winners who can 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page hosted byan the County Fish anddepartment’s and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” HernearlyDuring that time, ing11 his experiof the paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in amounted of at the three people allows them display interest in pursuing Barrel racing to share Association informationand Troutence Wildlife Unlimthoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, commondue tactics for and former council member, public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections in large to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell fair. Ravalli County regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, Fairto ends with one ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion agenda send-from a normal of In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly claiming county’s performance that have yetRodeo torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management of the biggest turAt the second regular of responsibility a proposed mine up Sheep items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in the IRS or in isCommittee, looking pretty Oneresent bigthe savings was of allows the year of 2023, oneCreek. andgood, the vice chair of Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say PlanFor (CMP). The virtual counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. nouts ever. Photo meeting of the two-member According to Steinhoff, “I thought was the issue re-roofing the city intending send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according tobeen 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 onby forNa12 years. A realinestate February of 2021. 51 by is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will betoheld on See page 18 should run. He that “We’ll dobeour job, ” Christine said by John Rudow. it wasn’t going affect me,on but street shop. According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. After Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the it was announced he would check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and also He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only takeThe than Boddy. learned that it would City Public Works Director, Donny customer they was a frequent commenter Gibson See more photos got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, theSometimes experience has been On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who high school in just January 27, town clerk Jenelle the Army valley. for 21 years, his and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seeorganizational COUNTY, page 10 seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow on page 9. Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Fivethat fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in he was was no joke. “It fused and unOver the victims that a loved has hurting.” said he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him that he victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and all of it hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the executive completed a she semester of college the last administration. In currentfrom Hamilton, was recbutuse wishes similar meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Cowboy Ball committee. told that the cancer got I potential felt familiar with of so herbadHe in jail,rewarding.” or that a prize about the track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According tochamRa- course to network. then got onto the board has been “extremely for members, giving their report, director. Al gave a history of the and submitted her transcript that others within the commupublic comment, Crews told ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held in Freeman said the committee hopes to raise trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won, but a fee needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original roof, which has in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became Al was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof of compLeting nity would help her look out 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rodeo and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsomeduring significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said the executive director. 2020. Since then he has been the advithey have planned for the upcoming bers that time that led up to him associated courses. These are for their safety. At least one Inhas addition to the been in the by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on YouTube October was being water Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition into year. During the meeting, it was also taking on the position. the former chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn and eachpicious In addition to the the heating custom leathwhen has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, time left will cut down on bill and “They need to be replaced. They’re getting banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy or aided whatand “The story of the Bitterroot Valley 55boarded, board members participated the role. Al will be retiring in August this announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. AlAllen spoke, Jodi stood to to thank Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developworking but they had set up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the anycustomgrab thehelp package from a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there gle and triumphs,” said Al. He said the organization’s history. According to him for all his and to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another of these requiretreatment in the boarding to had be to be provided with a ride isage notand a question and answer” ering, from 21 Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, aDowd new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould in was meant front door when it day. arrives. the was doing, or tructional minutes” to p.m., Monday through This date for them in for 2025. by John overarching goal the Florence-CarChamber has $60,000 him, what to Thursday. be as a six-month he was only supposed toeach speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments iscity that each applicant started 11the years agoor but couldn’t be held last to the bank well as to colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covsession. “It’s public comment. ” did the work at no charge to opened at the same Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular cash, all of “They always direct ever, members of the public Fisk added that this changethe will will be a big change for the district, lton Schools has moved to a four-day always been to keep businesses connect- appointment to“This the position lasted 12 the pandemic minutes. ber for over 36 that years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to – has been upgraded this The day after Overstreet. er the following agenda er, dissuading anyare worries about the thehad Bitterroot Valley so there details the which was victim tothat send ‘no signature The of mayor said previousthemeans town. “I just wanted to alsoJodi put a larger importance on each and has caused some school week this year.before, This Valley schools gearing up for who had he tried to access theplays years, and he enjoyed every moment stated theit,membership cussing the role hunting “It’sconcern. common sense to me,” year. topics: surgery, was isfrauduwhen Icheck realized changeover, it will remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being required,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associly that he would be answering publicly thank Joan for helpThe Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joan Mell, day, being that they are each 25% of According to Fisk, the district’s school will be from 8 a.m. to 3:47 another year, and several school supeof it. “It’s been a good ride for 29 numbers have been “trending every she says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall “This is the first year we’ve ever doneAct aup fully diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations material. There are 16 artists in total lently deThe Bank Secrecy ation. Photo courtesy Fred Upchurch. the week, said Fisk. For the district, main reasoning was to rintendents spoke to the Bitterroot 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 for filling in while town Greg objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. taking Covid center, while hidden behind brown-paper it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from ofattorney 1970 requires banks Fisk wants to “ask everyone totogive work/family balanStar about thethe upcoming year.ly, They being on theblend other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of public ofPictured Montana Catering Service will provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l to r, Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened welcoming more. “We like all kinds for patience as she worked “I was obviously seriously enough. Staub’s first senior citizen keep track of withdrawals more intention, because every day ce, not just for staff but talked about their excitement and he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should beofprepared forsaid some its doors March 1. mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” said and students, through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and really matters.” for the youth. Their plan some things the public, sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new business will feature Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2will “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. “It hit Jim be Crews, former mayor the isBALL an expeguarantee thePhoto school should aware of and look forward bank to5withdraw $15,000, it However, Stacie Barker. by Victoria Howell. at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See change COWBOY page 4 SURVIVING, by Michael Howell onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some such cirStaub is stillpage Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, page riment. “It’s unknown and it’s a big 2 meets academic to in theSee coming year. makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” PLAN, page 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants standards, and their hope change,” said Fisk, so it will need time week the Ravalli County Commissioners apwork is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with On March 9th, members ofLast the This school year, thestaff Stevensville to see what it will do for and is to give the family unit Florence 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 John Dowd the franchise, many should not noand the southan portions of the Exit Realty team byTodd John Dowd of Criminal Investigations students. He saidwill theycontinue will lookworkat extra day eachvalley, week. Fisk is the superintendent for ofpartment ing withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business, that hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last ofchange fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change atthe all,space. andinvestigation. itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the attendance, behavior, athletics, staff Fisk said this will Florence-Carlton Public In Schools and Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners statedwant National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a secured video designed to her leatherwork, isaround also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working toin enand theto contest is still looking agricultural and leadership competito thetostate level and invitaby Michael Howell Since January 2,Karen Exit Realty the to some positive growth in the future. the south portion was change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, 4:30 1889, According Hamilton Police Depart- sale, essentially addpurchased “40 inswanted to talk about the biggest upto help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavaccomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber to provide courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twelve See SCHOOL, page 18 Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. a variety of pieces from furniture to in the valley. To do this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th for the next level of competition at the events. concerning the Draft SEIS for A new record of decision forest products and jobs; and to unmitigated impacts to changes, but in the valley may franchise owners, Tina andinquest Max ColeLendman. When asked how this change will involved in many a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships by Victoria Howell year, the2023-24 facility took inthe just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on StebyEven John Dowd roy, president of Butterfly. the Montana Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. thewhen Gold Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all to put envelopes on January 18, for filing objecbyher Victoria Howell hisCorvallis propertyand which wouldschools in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed the private land was Mischief Room last May and commissioners all work is done by her own two casing the participant’s love of art, Florence in April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. venville’s beckons visitors ies Bluegrass Association, there will a esvenience might affect them. rights thatmain pertained to the Bitterroot in the valley, Realty is still the to$240,000 Lendman said that itand will not change 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 allmathe doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC and the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McJasmin Shinn, founder and There 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 ATRowner Smart Procedures is a softschools ininvolved the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education programvolunteer Casland, 1st get place individual tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.organization. Just up there and with play.” current of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1 Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer shooting See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed ware design company, now based in participate. Some of the schools even learn about a wide range of agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Des(Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will officer. “We have seen tremendous supAtsmall A Time Draft Horse Rescue it costs about $200 per month to feed Homes in Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked a piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour there and is a developed fishing access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The aim was Hamilton. However, after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. by Victoria Howell Valley Board of Realtors (BVBR). was happening in real estate.” At to Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-that defining old-growth stantreatment withinOn anSaturday, Victor. April 13, the be“gentle theirManagement time, and for others Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate allareas are Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice these giants.” there are asking the community students at schools Stevensville bridge, an that wasSiphers, and negotiated the donation of that the are going to be accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning opportunity toon see the Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Hack66, has beento athe real estate time for there were 89under memNeely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the source Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections area designated 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 love with theagent for According to the orgaengaging instruction ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team The Bitterroot Valley Board 38 years. He started bers in BVBR,” said Siphers. Last year the lopes. the music. This spring festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuespecially proud ofcontest this during atreatment time old-growth habitat disease because of tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck for $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 of the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and lopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting of Realtors recently held a panel with his own firm, then went to “Currently there are 255 memlance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motnot be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline dense pockets of dead and dythese horses. When they’re fi nally ready from representatives of JCCS, an Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. to be reallyno popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his wounds and was pronounced seeing lowest law endiscussion on the ins and outs ofto the Properties West (which longerforWolff bers, withhad the highest inmore four years resident. Then people piece, which located adjacent Council member Marilyn 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 mostly having tothe dowith with thesupport ing trees. They claim the areaever been through their artacontest. The even more, full participation their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year. These bands will 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. The selling commercial property in exists). Eighteen years ago he 2006 well over 300 agents.” 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 oftoofthe The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place to be awhere police officer.” center opened itsRealty doors in 2020 after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see the Bitterroot. The cooling the went to work for Exit at He said roughly 1.5 million real 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- impacts These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, by John Down first to be 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 to 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 a roads converge, the bank is the incrediitment would be maintained erty onon the west ofestablished the river,and then real estate market, coupled with the Hamilton office. He currently estate agents are events members ofcontests. the and utilized was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I and Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, 50 years.Creek To doRoad. this, theynoted will door tomistletoe some permanent and for $9.5According One the problems, acOne band that to asked return toof Conroy, the the festival’s issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely there have only interesting thecontinues project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits scope Willow dwarf and just to the north of Fort Owen State together toin decide what was needed potential river access bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially consoltains east Corvallis. high interest rates, is asite. cause of sells real estate a partnership national association. ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last year, toofhave that To Johnny contendCampbell at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community conversations with people,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we asis the Band, visiting purpose is “to promote and encourevent and investigation. However, been three of these types shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a or not needed in the community. They of itsphone environmental consespruce budworm damage. County objects to shifting Bitterroot National Forest During tenure of former issues… It is Erica. the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the Town concern forthe real estate agents. with his daughter Siphers said that, after the The original proposal was The next glass recycling in button, cell batteries (out of feature the beauty of the andto participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” levy, which BVCC said speaking about was exorbitant 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 music.” The very little information isstate at amuch However, these are always aButter, danger of nonprofit organization that offers a pass came up with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the At owner ofand land channel and the deepest part of the sales Vickie Motley, park board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think It’s something in general financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have stated that the The forum was designed to help Siphers was born and raised high numbers following the the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info so to give back to the community, “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Community horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they this time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program side targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly ber, said that nothing had been done at the river ononce the northeast hadin the channel. Ifto you tomore develop RDO Equipment Co. 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 art entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton with ideas for how to market and Bitterroot. Spending pandemic, in 2024 about half of 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 end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you canRunning save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According come in“Crosspurpose.” all forms. District in Montana consists of current twelve Harris 8571 W. Road finance properties inWild this than half his life inplace real estate, he the members inwith BVBR didn’t secretary, Sue Smith. She was The vote will take to speak the process worked. Theyadraft were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it issell contrary to law forest resilience to natural single-microphone type event, with When asked why he loves bluegrass, during this investigation, as iswake stanmunity members, were harmed during That check followed inenvithe horses. She and her husband, a ages 18 and older in both Ravalli and called Itorganization 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 year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the May 7, via alot mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the 4 ronment. Panelists included comhas seen alike of ups andninth downs. anything at all. single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances fire, Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed suit claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th.Additional ing director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA state qualifying events tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community mercial bankers from Farmers “My dad was a broker, so I Referring to the high number free training, Summit offers six-month offered officials also received species are listed in and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks orForest fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to the best tained food be recycled Cardboard be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public foruse help with a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler, State Bank, which was a friendship sponsor immersed inWillow the real three estate mentoring, support and towas is broken down into 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 See REAL page 3 forESTATE, a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales placebelieve team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high rare to incredible. create a doors. andbusiness wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that this voted inofpreviously many it tobybe whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin of theopportunity event. basically since 1966,” RDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stay on, but please remove lids. by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individual community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t comSiphers, president of the BitterThis program isdraft the brainchild of called “personal development,” Craig which The panelofdiscussion was says cludes Siphers. taking care horses is Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, “All of 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 the district was levy program run by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured iswent Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminply with theCraig definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenrootthey Valley Boardto ofthe Realtors, has been chaired by Siphers, who He recalls that in the early an expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, pageis 65 vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance and to byESTIMATES public, they did after being for funds. After ty of Montana. The reality •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator Environmental habitat including In aselling letter to so the Forest first horse thatmeadows, waspretty rescued 1 Horse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch and foundergive tify what each individual’s specific real estate the Bitterroot forcommunity 38 of the growth found the Bitterroot is serving his second stint as 1980s a recession muchapproved perinpound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the for the creation of significantly voted down the president center, and co-founder and Exec-shut down the market, “nothing years.4Photo by Victoria Howell. lithium-ion, Paidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 14 21 the the Bitterroot ART, page SeeSee SUMMIT, page 4college cepted: alkaline, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. its kind in theof state, and theas oldpublic. a community district twice, wentP.O. back
Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years
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Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball Climbing Plan
Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good
scheduled
Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds
Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting
New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task
Back to schoolForce, 2025 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 Navigating a changing real estate market
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
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