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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 15 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 February 9, 2022 Wednesday, January 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2, April26, 10,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Darby recommendations up forcenter vote Three Mile Community Center open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse John Dowd
Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com
speech, occupa-
shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical andany wells. Irrigation willEarlier be concerns about theupcoming potencouldrecommendations herald major ty for failing to do proper According Thechanges park additional impact on are changes needed. people, and on the sion will be general language inthe thepeople’s chartherapy services – provided by shares the tial impacts to citizens the roads, to other in similar the review analysis by John Dowd filledfrom up soreleafast they had toballot, open giving talks ballot. about Allianceter. website. It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property this year,space the commission election ofmany Daron thissubdivision election HoweSomeoftaxes. ofthe thisenvironmental updates the Thethe Ravalli County Eight Company. public safety, to vote wildlife, and process across impacts handing its the including therapy theCreek presentation into other rooms and the Sheep Creek ver, Mine proposal. over 220 people The Hamilton Trap Club has sed coming, but the new Three Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to theaoff loan, Bitterroot Health For past year, the Darby itsMile preliminary findings, by will cast their on which there will bethe no positions charter toby better align with Commissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by the been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging Study has been and has since made suggestions changes they deem appropriate up for vote as all the elected state code, and some is meant held aCommission groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’s tional approval last week to plat theOswald subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It and running. Located at 4433 both the park loan Three Mile Community Senior Valley since 1947. A place for and lab looking into the townEstates governon things to be changed. Now, for their town. positions in Darby aregroup unopto make the running of the ceremony, said concerning the ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley anticipated to add approxcomments concern ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, a presentatation in Darby and contacted him, expressed a resident of the Waterkeepers West Fork. Heand has was attended by(the people from all over Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the thea project. Center official name) trap enthusiasts andgave hunting Bishop said “It ment, checking to see if there the decision goeschildren the The Darby Study Commislocal government Darby organization’s 50 years ofofservice, An open house celebration was for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new to do one about the potential impacts to posed. of residents close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking ifout he to could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and inliving school Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sotheyas hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root the was started by environment a bunch offar little old by John Dowd to smoother. Robbins said voters ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Horse Creek to the such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects According of heavy da, and Missoula, and away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new Nate Robbins, curshould look into specific chanthe facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also built just of functions as a Last weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofges little old ladies.” rent Darby before they vote. near the intersection ofMark Eight ular tripslimited. per dayRamsey, to the local lowering of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and been dance in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toCouncil have because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank to bunch keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit the Stevensville at thesupporting Humane Association participatMile and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in Hamilton. The event served Kathieto Butts, President of the Member andloan Darby The next decisions are best 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 nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in BitteraofnationWoodchuck Road east the be drilled deeper. Concerns ResourcesStudy and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. included system, and a gorgeous view a ribbon andapplicant incorpo- is proposing to payments contributors were the Three Commission broken down further into four programs such as It The on continuing to al “slumber party” event. The Creek Road and Florence. TheAccording land is honor being a 100-foot by 100were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. process and such while thethe County of the Bitterroot Mountains tothededicate rated Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new in 2014. come a“Thus, long it was root Blasters. to club ex-officio member, sub-points. Thesince first of these expand services. Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. including developed by Laura Watson of whole foot easement impacts to other irrigators the lack ofthere information about is technically correct that the 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, tours of the are five main is a vote on whether or notaFamto 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 duty to provide statutorily The building isarray now home total cost ments come ily Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in an that program building, and of food and huge sense of responsibility to honor points Darby comchange Darby election protoopened 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 CEO, those who have comeall before us and ” drink inHealth honor of thewith organization’s munity members cols, making five council members who participated to stay 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 he said.be make it as good as it can as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus will need to decide member positions elected “at the night with theraised animals, amongFire Consultants Inc. (PCI). District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50four years.” upon.McMahon large.” Currently, council Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, noon Saturday and 12 noon SunThe first, overarmembers are elected to repregle-family residential use received dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The TheItMontana Hopethat Project. The is often said Mile Community Senior Center board l to r,He Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, ching decision sent wards, and one is electedlawith individual systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County thatmembers, DNRC. criticized the will counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the Three is proud that general contractor donated club is utilized byseptic local schools, little locally owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the See SAPPHIRE, 14 with the shelter animals, wore fundraising campaign to fund the new granddaughter of Marcus Daly, gave be a vote ondidn’t adopat large. Insaid the past, thepage arguthis project courts,Wildlife a walking path,Boy a playgroup had they Teller 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 about have to run ting theasproposed ment for this has been haschange been four years3 and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound Bitbusiness. the among in support of the shelter. with a 99-year lease. Six years later, pandemic hit and construction costs revisions the study the low population in Darby, others. in the works, but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon Shelters all over the U.S. skyrocketed. As need a result, thefrom group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive di- and commission has and the to pull the 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 had to take out aDarby mortgage to finish the land totake the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been recommended for greater community. 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 Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kruse. thethis, current shelter isrelocated. The Hamilton the Darby Town Opposing that there2 to as they were See TRAP, See thinking, SHELTER, page hour period. The event is apage fund-5 pandemic. She said shelter since 1984. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai CreekThese Roadare and Hwy new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being Charter. is an93opinion that represenraiser 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 Shebecome adds that the available in detail tation could stacked ipants each work to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important through the Town of in favor of a particular area if donate to theirCity respective Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim way tocan combat the Hamilton Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis,Darby as well as and been providing Individual community businesses website elected officials come from day, March 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, via a flyer that was anywhere in Darby. 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 The next to be willout to Darby 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 campussent andsub-point start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. Hospital, which is a critical access registered voters. voted on would change wheprovide primary, care, urgent care and about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe versation with those Chapter Oneover has35 three by John Dowd commissioners through There were The basis of most of re executive reside. a meeting held aaccordcoupleparticipants weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians hospital, was recently rated #4 the have Farrenkopf istaking legally justified youpowers know co-owners, and been steps a lengthy fundand byinlove. 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 those changes are 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 noon on Saturday, Darby town sign.atStar file photo. bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his thepresentation meeting,toduring the non-agenda items See DARBY, on page related to updating 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.6 practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have been in period, the Burnt Fork area lately to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion several of the counCouncil on March 15th, Chief label. After following of what potential ofciation the many ways works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. Victoria Howell being recruited. also be he said, with clinics in doingaresent to Covid, Greg home from There willby retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, but have been so successvation inofthe Bitterroot through on 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 three people allows them display interest in pursuing to share Association informationand Troutence Wildlife Unlimthoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, commondue tactics for and former council member, public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections in large to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest 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 yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management the second regular of aAt proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. meeting of theSteinhoff, two-member According to was the issue re-roofing the city intending send atime package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. Now by John Dowd of that as the executive director. of the winners to receive a Mara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section. Photo by John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate for February of 2021. that 51 is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will betoheld on See BOOKS, page 18 should run. He that “We’ll dobeour job, ” Christine said it wasn’t going affect me,on but street shop. According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. After Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, 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 was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, theSometimes experiencethey has been On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who high school in just January 27, town clerk Jenelle the Army valley. for 21 years, his 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 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 the boarding to had be to be provided with a ride isage notand a question and answer” ering, from 21 Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould in was meant to be a six-month front door when it arrives. the was doing, or overarching goal for the Chamber has $60,000 him, what he was only supposed to held speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments iscity that each applicant started 11the years agoor but couldn’t be last to the bank as 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 always been to keep businesses connect- appointment to“This the position lasted 12 the pandemic minutes. – has been upgradedthe ber for over 36 that years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to this The day after Overstreet. er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details thethehad which was to victim to send it, ‘no signature The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access theplays years, andI he enjoyed every moment cussing thewas “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership year. topics: surgery, isfrauduwhen realized changeover, itrole willhunting remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being required,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associly that he would be answering publicly thank Joanoffor help-beenshe Thesays, Town offorStevensville recognized attorney Joan aup Mell, it. “It’s ride 29“This numbers have been “trending every pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the first year we’ve ever done fully diagnosed with I was nota good art. After two months of renovations material. ThereFred are 16 artists in total lentlythat deThe Bank Secrecy Act ation. Photo courtesy Upchurch. years,” said Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3 questions from the public. ing me and helping the town, ” flags abound when seniors are in while town Greg objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. taking Covid center, for filling while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from ofattorney 1970 requires banks to being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person also said that they said outcomes ofas the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service will provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l to r, Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened more. “We like allOverstreet. kinds seniorseriously for patience she worked “I was obviously enough. Staub’sCrews firstwelcoming citizen keep track of withdrawals 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.said mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new “It business feature Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2 bank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. hit will Jim Crews, former mayor to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some such cirStaub is Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants week the Ravalli County Commissioners apwork is grounded in the Sheridan-style formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by John Dowd famous artists“No with On March 9th, members ofLast the This school the Stevensville Hamilton was one of hundreds of cities and townsbarns, across the nation that held peaceful Kings” protest events on Saturday, October 18th, in response to various actionsyear, and policies of the Trump proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contests by ofpartment the franchise, many should not andstreatched the south of the valley, Exit RealtyStrength team will continue byJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations Administration. Approximately 700 people converged on the intersection of Hwy 93 and MainnoStreet, and outportions along the highway. According the website Numbers, theworkcombiing withthe theto Ravalli County DUIinas Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business,Inthat hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change atthe all,space. and itWhile may leadthe largest separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the investigation. ned attendance at similar events across the nation totalled between 5.2 and 8.2 million people, protest turn-out since at least 1970. Photos by Aubrey Howell. 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 RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working toinan enand theto contest is still looking agricultural leadership competito thetostate level and invitaby Michael Howell Since January 2,Karen Exit Realty the to some positive growth in the future. the southand portion was purchased change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, 4:30 1889, According Hamilton Police Depart- sale, to help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavaccomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber to provide courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twelve Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces furniture to A new the valley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. SEIS for record of decision forest products and toof unmitigated changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change will in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on byVictoria Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships by Howell year, the2023-24 facility took inthe just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all toart, put envelopes on January 18,participant’s for filingby objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which wouldschools in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed when the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and commissioners all work isHowell done her twotook casing the loveown of and Florence inthe April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. venville’s beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will a es might affect them. rights thatmain pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Realty is still the to Lendman said that itand will not change venience Store. The Fortunately, engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also roads heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most a drag, Draft treatment units. According to Exit all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McJasmin Shinn, founder and There are no paid employees; it’s an allThe annual Montana Rockies be no break from the music, and, “No according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it, the fransame company. Additionally, accordin. Photo by John Dowd. place after the suspect threatened and standard procedure in these types of put valentine cards in kopf, activities director The Stevensville Town CounPark, a 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging trucks, mostly, a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding ATRowner Smart Procedures is a softschools ininvolved the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education programvolunteer Casland, 1st get place individual tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.organization. Just up there and with play.” current of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1 Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer shooting See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed ware design company, now based in participate. Some of the schools even learn about a wide range of agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Desby Michael Howell proposal came to the commissioners dwelling within the same building loss of agricultural soils during the (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. Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-that definingwithout old-growth stantreatment withinOn an previous consideration by envelope, in the to Calf Creek proposal, review ofManagement subdivisions and found that Victor. April 13, the be“gentle their 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 Stevensville bridge, an that was at schools and negotiated the Planning donation of the are going to Saturday, be were accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’sThen [the piece the provide a learning opportunity toon see the Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. school day under the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn HackThelast Ravalli County Commissionthe Ravalli County Board. the developers able toto convince all negative impacts on agriculture Neely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is source Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the area designated for insect and resource and financial limitalife-saving to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost 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 in loveby with the According tolopes. orgaengaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1stbe place individual with team the ers rejected thefallen controversial Calf Itespecially also came as athe revised and reduced the Commissioners that the negative would “sufficiently mitigated.” Last year the the music. This spring festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported ambuproud ofcontest this during atreatment time old-growth habitat disease because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck forof$7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river and access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett and Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and Creek Subdivision proposed in thethere version of the history Sapphire Heights impacts onsowildlife and wildlife habiConsideration ofthe theinteresting criteria conwere full will they The project now is lopes andsee fundraiser feature 18accommodate bands one newer band by lance to thecounty. hospital. He expired in American that he is believes tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motnot be able to 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. Hamilton areawas following Subdivision, areally twelve-lot proposal tat would be “sufficiently mitigated.” cerning on the agricultural water to be more popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name ofeffects “Release Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his Heights wounds and pronounced seeing lowest law en- had four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he looked up the for ley. “There are so many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,however, “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm branch most can be driven or there, the necessary support viable populations having tothe do with thesupport ingfor trees. They claim the areaextensive been through their artacontest. The even more, with full participation their knowledge to the test asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: three full days ofwith public hearing, the covering 120 acres including thisThe Despite and passionate user facilities, became ateam mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year. These bands will play for free, and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side from said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. But then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’t ridden, and some just become “pasture located in from Hamilton. Part of contest the logging idea came aCounty similar art all the high in valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is2020 impacted by mountain pine thewith project, the of old growth, last of which was held on September 80+ acre parcel owned by the Foleys. public comment pleading the stumbling block in approving the new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 55,000 acre area of The Ravalli Sheriff’s Office isenveapiece great place to be awhere police officer.” center opened itsschools doors in after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see of the bridge, was offered to the Town this of land. “It’s two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 That developpets.” selection forHouston, awarding that gift See DUI, page 10 they held in Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, by John Down first created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first was to the drawing board. 30. The four-lot subdivision proposal That proposal was withdrawn during Commissioners to stop the loss of subdivision. Based onletter public combeetle, Douglas-fir bark rehabilitation of thelevy road after species. ” side The notes that tial toIn wildlife and to hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked away on Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli County for use as aimpacts roads converge, the bank is the incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty onon the west ofestablished the river,and then was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, 50 years.Creek To doRoad. this, they will door tomistletoe some permanent and asked for $9.5According One the problems, acwas presented by Group engithe Planning Board’s review process agricultural land incontinues the valley and ment from Alan Maki and other water One band that to return toof Conroy, the festival’s issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only interesting the project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits the scope Willow dwarf and just to the north ofWGM Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially consoltains east Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last year, toofhave that To Johnny contend at theheritage 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 tothe Butler, was, “we asneering on behalf of developers Gary when it was found that the negative preserve the valley’s of farmusers the area, Commissioners is the Campbell 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 budwormyears. damage. County objects to shifting Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the idate highway property into the Town The original proposal was The next glass recycling in button, cell batteries (out of feature the beauty of the and participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” to levy, which BVCC said speaking about was exorbitant andin occurred sumed people knew what the Chilcott and John Giuliani and would impacts on wildlife, including the ing and ranching, the Commissioners found that potentially transferring 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 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 of Vickie Motley, park board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think It’s something in general financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have stated that the the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info so to give back to the community, “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Community have split an 84.3 acre parcel owned reduction of wintering grounds for a cited proposed covenants allowing the water rights on the property to 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 had channel. Ifto you toart 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 entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee and without success. campaign, whichfor helped the unsure exactly how theanother College was.” However, there by members of the Foley family into large herdthe of elk using area, were a reasonable and lowofThe number ofis abut location aslove proposed and lossoula, Idaho and more. event all share the same of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot she is especially passionate about getters. The officer is currently on leave neither northe any comed towards highly motivated people successful organization in Denver, attempted to shut off river access on for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, page 16 end of the Ravalli 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 secretary, Sue Smith. She was Theresilience vote will take place were to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major four lots each just little over 20 unmitigable. domestic animals as horses, 4-H ing property that uses Gleason Lake pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it such isCounty contrary to law forest to natural single-microphone type event, with adraft When asked why he loves bluegrass, during this investigation, as iswake stanmunity members, harmed during That check followed inRavalli the horses. She and her husband, a to ages 18 and older ina Wild both and called Itorganization offers similar and Alliance for the grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1the per the next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the year they schools west ofprice theeach Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the May 7, via areducing mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the acres inprotocol. size. Based on his brother’s Bylike theninth acreage and procalves, or sheep on lot within the number of acres that are4 single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ”reduces disturbances fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 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 involvement in the business venture, viding private covenants to establish subdivision, and requiring notificacharged with maintaining the lake 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 use the best tained food be recycled Cardboard recycling will be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. chapter. Schools of allmay classifications for the FFA:increase ask public for help with a recused Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following meetings, college, as it was college. According to also Butler, Commissioner Greg Chilcott ais No-Build Zone andthree a 150 foot wide those tion to future lotcommunity owners of potential and this,Stevensville in turn, would the mentoring, support and friendship to sources 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 in the Willow forthis a (second fee. Anyadjacent color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has the been incredible. This year, they will be away compete together in FFA includAg place team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn from left) ofpreviously 1 Horsecan At by a high rare opportunity to create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said conflicts that voted inagricultural many believe it tobybe himself from deliberations and No-Fencing Zone along the Willow with cost of Sales maintenance for the remainwhoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek Director ofof the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stayAndrea 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 the decision was made by only two Creek Low Ditch as well as limitoperations and for control noxious ing users who use Gleason Lake to A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t comThis program the brainchild of called “personal development,” which taking care ofisdraft horses is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, of cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Stevensville, with team members Kamryn Jones, Office of the Regional Adminbull trout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the levy to first time they went to the the district was able to levy program run by the Universicommissioners, Dan Huls and Jeff ing the future use of each lot to one weeds as being adequate mitigation maintain the lake infrastructure. Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. Also pictured is Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and the ply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner of involves aptitude testing to idenan expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, page vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance to byESTIMATES public, did after being for community funds. of Montana. The on reality is 65 Burrows. single-family residential measures. They also quoted law After Theyty also found, based public •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator of thestate Environmental habitat including In a they letter to so the Forest first horse thatmeadows, wasand rescued 1dwelling Horse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch and foundergive tify what each individual’s specific growth found the Bitterroot per pound. The following will bethe acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of being significantly voted down Being a Minor Subdivision, the unit per lot along with one accessory preventing any consideration of the center, and co-founder and ExecSUBDIVISION, page14 5 Paidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 See Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 21 ART, page SeeSee SUMMIT, page4 4college cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and theas oldpublic. a community district twice, wentP.O. back
Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years
Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball Climbing Plan
Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good
scheduled ‘No Kings’ draws hundreds to Hamilton 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 Calf Creek Subdivision proposal denied
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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