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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume XL, Number Number 1 35 19 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Wednesday, January 13, Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, April June26, 10, 17,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mitchell Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter,finals 50th anniversary to ninth national Shelter hosts slumberSlough ‘Pawty’ permit denied Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Stevi bareback Three Mile Community Centercenter open Every Tuesday 10am-11am rider at Frontier Cafeoff 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 The Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing its the therapy theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. over 220 people The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to theaoff loan, Bitterroot Health 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 been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to 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 plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Senior ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments concern group 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 organization’s 50 years of service, An open house celebration was for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he 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 ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also built just of functions as a Last weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular tripslimited. per dayRamsey, to the local lowering of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and been in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank 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 Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in BitteraofnationWoodchuck Road east the be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources 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 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. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains tothededicate rated Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. to club expand Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. including developed by Laura 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 theservices. Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, tours of the event the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was of is the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily The building isarray now home total cost 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 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 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 it as were many who own programs, the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus by Michael Howell 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 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 andIn peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, The Bitterroot Conservation District noon Saturday and 12 noon The Sun- received gle-family residential use dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Hope Project. ItMontana is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the (BCD) last week denied the application 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 made by Bitterroot Springs Ranch owner See SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the animals, fundraising 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 CENTER, page 3 Kento Siebel to installbut up then to a dozen floating pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction the Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have run has been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound asislands Bit- made out of pressure business. the among treated plyin support of thelease. shelter. with a 99-year Six years later, pandemic hit and construction others. in for thehabitat works, costs but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon wood into Mitchell As Slough purShelters all over the U.S. and skyrocketed. 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. poses, but discussions about a second applieven out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land totake the organization rector, Tom Allsop, has been where ilton, may exception delays due to the cation to install up to 16 fence crossings on same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on the property that had housed the Sue McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Trap Club members line up for a shoot. Photo by Kristin Kruse. thethis, current shelter isrelocated. The to as they were See TRAP, the ranch to delineate various property lines See SHELTER, page 2 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 Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being is ongoing. 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 with that the Following initial discussions the ipants each work to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important applicant, BCD supervisor Dan Kerslake donate to their respective shelters. Council met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim way to combat the Hamilton Hamilton City Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as wellsaid as at Tuesday’s BCD meeting been providing where the 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 application was being considered, “We talk-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, ed with the applicant about the reasonabiliamounting 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 ty of these projects and and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the the purpose of these 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 projects. It was a good conversation, and There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaid thatHamilton was all he couldlegally say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. theI justified you know and co-owners, and steps a lengthy fund fund make the recommendation that we deny this PRCA photo by Click Thompson. See Farrenkopf full article on and page 11. have beenistaking 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 all thethe end of the which Stephen open acommupackage Staub doesn’t for quality byreason the national rating one of them, Every the Ravalli accounting that, tothere sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in permitnation application for the that cue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his the meeting,toduring the non-agenda items In City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoup, shows the county, ing agency, outitof 351 similar facilities. alternatives to this project practitioner, andwas two more doctors are reasonable welcoming of the community tois presentation Numerous Bald Eagles have been congregating inthe 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 period, several of the counCouncil on March 15th, Chief label. After following of what potential of the many ways they ciation works to affect conseroverall, doing very well that would accomplish the exact same intent visit theMichael shelter. by Howell. Victoria Howell being recruited. also be he said, with in doingaresent to Covid, Greg home from There willby retiring. members weighed in onclinics Steinhoff’s Snavely saidcil that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, but have been successvation inofso the Bitterroot through on to its tax collections and of what they are trying do.” 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 andkids. programs. Kent Myers, board vice-chair, said, “We spent the night were 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 One is their talked about aheld moreFebruary natural solution forin the party, participants hostslumber afool public meeting Fairgrounds will be 12th. This 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 are shipand Marisa Neyenhuis, most departments while scholarship program, which providing shade and cover for fish such as 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 expenses only or Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. trees, awards three winners who can planting riparian shrubshave or whatever 30th from 6 to 8 p.m. See PETS, page 11 hosted byan the Ravallithem Fish anddepartment’s and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” HernearlyDuring that time, ing his experiof the paperwork.” Other up, it’sand going to be installing an event worthy jubilee an attorney in amounted toa23% of three people allows interest inCounty pursuing perhaps logs in of the stream.” todisplay share Association information Wildlife and Troutence 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 Kerslalke said that the landowner had regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobpast vacancies Roddone Freeman is the of this year’s do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, that sort of chair thing into the but 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 to county’s performance that have yetgoing 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 addithought now that the process of Climbing Management At the second regular by John Dowd Partners in Home Care hosted their ribbon cutof responsibility a 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 allows For the year of 2023, one and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I saylocation, Committee, through floodplain approval annually and Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. ting inChicago, Hamilton on November 13jokingly at thethe new meeting of theSteinhoff, two-member According to was the issue re-roofing the city intending send atime package Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds for ed throughout 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 on for 12 years. A real estate getting engineering float data and buoyancy February of 2021. that 51 is brain Christine Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo by Nameeting will be held on See BOOKS, page 18 Partners in Home Care avia nonprofit hos1986 N. Street, Suite According to the CEO in of1988, should run. He “We’ll do ourD. job, ” said itcheck wasn’t going to affect me,ison but I government street shop. According to1st Hamilton FedEx. home Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, Al became a member and that event is one of the biggest in the After it was announced that he would be was Savannah Deuter, eachhere log annually makes itand unreaagent data for 18for years in the Bitterroot, also He went through damage material.” Zoom. See below forbeen than Boddy. pice service that has around since 1987, has Partners, Corin Schneider, the learned that it would only take just Cityand Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes was a frequent commenter Gibson gotwho intoattended it because heevent, owns thein Paper valley. For him, the experiencethey has been On Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who graduated high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle sonable and costly. the Army for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 always remained locally owned. They care for over they picked this location because it is central to the See COUNTY, page 10 seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile Myers of the said that issue did not one have to beto Berthoud told the council and to late joinpatients theSteinhoff meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, have been put in August he was was no joke. “It 1,400 on any given day in over six counties in valley, allowing them to reach as far as Darby and Sula. fused and unOver the victims that a loved has hurting.” said that he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him that he victims, get involved people allcurrent over themeeting valley,” and all of it hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the currentfrom executive completed a she semester of college the last administration. Hamilton, was recpotential butuse wishes resolved at the because similar meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Cowboy Ball committee. western Montana. One ofannual their main service areas hasgaveIn Additionally, now, from these told that the cancer got badHe Icommunities felt familiar with course of so her in jail,rewarding.” or that a prize about the track record of the company nance equipment. According to Ra-patients to network. then got onto the board has been “extremely for members, giving their report, director. Al a history of the chamand submitted her transcript that others within the commuthe applicant said theywon, would go back and public comment, Crews told ognized for in (virtual) were held inand been Ravalli County currently for can seek on-site assistance sleep aid Freeman saidAlthe committee hopes raise trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been but a to fee needs had been eradicated. like Itheir couldn’t when Ramsey told how itthey was notwhat very care mer, itaround isspoke the original roof, which hasstepping inwith the early 90s, and inwithout 2012 he her became was the executive director until reviewing 2023 andof talking about ber, and about important memproviding proof compLeting nity would help look out more consider natural means and come 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution 500 residents of the Bitterroot Valley. Because of this, having to make the long trek to Missoula, which was $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rodeo and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. stated that the someduring significant leaks and Overstreet had like I their safety. At least one2020. Since then he has been the adviings onSteinhoff the internet. said thebreathe, executive director. they have planned forShe the upcoming bers that time that ledinsulation up to him associated courses. These arecomfor forward withfunds. another 310 application. “The In addition to the by John Dowd chines. it seemed anOctober easy choice toin finally open uptaking acomment satellite previously the closest location for these individuals. became susShoppe, Staub The scammers will ing public should caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been the state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he into said. surgery on was being water Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition year. During the meeting, it was also on the position. the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn In addition to the custom leathoffice in the area. picious when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down on the heating 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 willSee be retiring in August announced that long-time member, Al See PARTNERS, page 5 cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local PERMIT, pagethis 19 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 Allen Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready to taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. Al spoke, Jodi stood to thank Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developworking but they had up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the anycustomthehelp package a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked ifset there gle and triumphs,” said Al.ering, He said theCovid-19. organization’s According towith him forgrab all his tofrom remind him back from the the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy balland – which actually Another of thesethis requiretreatment boarding to history. be to be had provided a ride isage notand a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page 21$60,000 athing new Facebook page. Hower’s in or front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or could overarching goal for the Chamber has him, what was meant to be a six-month he was only supposed to speak for 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments is that each applicant started 11 years ago but couldn’t be held last year to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting covsession. “It’s public ” their did work the work opened at the same Howevartists havecomment. not shown in at no charge the particular all of to to the position lasted 12 always direct the ever, members ofwill thelocation. public always been to keep businesses connect-cash, appointment minutes. –“They ber for over 36 that years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic has been upgraded this The day after Overstreet. “This 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 County Commissioners apwork is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensville proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contests by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business,Inthat hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change atthe all,space. andinvestigation. itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a video designed to her leatherwork, Karen is also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working to en1889, and the contest is still looking agricultural and leadership competito the state level and secured invitaby Since Michael Howell January 2, Exit1st, Realty in the some positive growth in the future. want to change a whole bunch right On Monday, April around 4:30 toAccording to Hamilton Police Depart- sale, the south portion was purchased 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, 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. 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 Stevensville bridge, an that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to under 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 HackNeely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the 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 The curves in front of Ahava Coffee, where the proposed no-parking area will be set. Photo by John Dowd. veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost last week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in loveby with the Accordingproud tolopes. theofcontest orga-a time engaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year the the music. This spring festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported ambuespecially this during old-growth habitat disease treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck forof$7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and lopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting lance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said 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 more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest law en- had four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be driven or there, the necessary support viable populations having tothe dowith with theparticipation ingfor trees. They claim the area will been through their art contest. The even more, full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side from said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. But then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’t ridden, and some just become “pasture located in from Hamilton. Part of contest the logging idea came a similar art all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, the of old growth, new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place be awhere police officer.” center opened itsto doors in 2020 after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see of the bridge, was offered Town this of land. “It’s two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 That developpets.” selection forHouston, awarding that gift See DUI, page 10 they held in Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, by John Down first created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark rehabilitation of thelevy road after species. ” side The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the 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, 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 toeast the north of Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially consoltains Corvallis. 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 withispeople,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we asthe 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 itsat environmental consespruce budworminstead damage. County objects to shifting Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of staff the years. idate highway property the Town by John Dowd both the public and from town ofnext over the phone. According commented the end ofinto the meeting, The original proposal was The glass recycling in button, cell phone 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 Butter, 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 beevent joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information isstate at amuch However, these are always acomment 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, parkwill board memof Stevensville. Itried, think It’s something in general financial burden of the project quences analysis to vegetation, officials have stated that the regarding this decision. One to her, the Town should have met with stating that they and even went 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 targetcenter, which is modeled after aTown’s highly the at the river ononce the northeast side had channel. Ifout you were toart develop that ber, said that nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. During last week’s Stevensville that stood in support of the owners in person and should have to the coffee shop a couple times. He to Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north if you don’t have batteries to recycle thought their successful art said Hafer, saying that entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which because helped the unsure ofThe exactly how theshe College was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. event is abut all share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot is especially passionate about getters. The officer is currently on leave neither the officer, nor any comed towards highly motivated people successful organization in Denver, attempted to shut off river on for fishing, Ifrom would also see aother problem the access problem had been See STEVI, page Town Council meeting, a situation actions was Crews, who sent worked aMontana plan of time. “I claimed there was little response, and16 end ofout the Ravalli Fairnow you canRunning save up to bring them contest was the way toShe go. According come in“Crosspurpose.” all forms. District in consists of current twelve Harris 8571 W. Road secretary, Sue Smith. was Theresilience vote will take placeJim organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it ahead isCounty contrary to law forest to natural single-microphone type event, with adraft When asked why he loves bluegrass, during this investigation, as is stanmunity members, were harmed during That check followed in the wake horses. She and her husband, ato to ages 18 and older in both Ravalli and called It offers similar and Alliance for the Wild regarding parking in front of a local in a letter. Crews stated the actions don’t think it was handled very profesthey called to contact the owners grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per the next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ”state disturbances like fire,be insects Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according tonot Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed suit claiming the coffee shop was the main topic of diswere, in his opinion, an attack on sionally,” said Barker. She alsoconstated, that the Town was starting the 4 gallon. Jars and bottles that 8th.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 free training, Summit offers six-month program offered Forest officials also indicator species are listed in and disease; reduce sediconcern over to drinks fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toof Montana andparking. bought a 20406-549-4171 cussion. Within last couple the The business, but merely action to impacts “We should work together tobe find a received process closing off He said agency failed to use the best tained or food recycled Cardboard recycling be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands inanphases. prizes. chapter. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public forthe help with a weeks, Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college. According to also Butler, mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment in the Willow the Town has made efforts to close the deal with an obvious safety hazard. solution.” he intends to work with the owner as forthis 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 opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously many it tobybe whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, street parking in front of Ahava Coffee A comment criticizing the decision Council Member Wally well, but something had toindividual be clear whether there aredone other roads, especially Willow Creek Director ofSmith 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 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 comThis program isdraft the brainchild of calledfrom “personal development,” which taking care of horses is on Main Street across from Kodiak came the council. According to agreed with Barker’s comments, and immediately. According to the mayor, Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, “All of cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Stevensville, with team members Kamryn Jones, Office of the Regional bulloftrout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they iswent the the district was levy program run by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny,to the non-profit’s mascot and theable toAdminply with theMyla definition of old power duo Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenJax. Council Member Stacie Barker, she added, “I’m in full agreement that we people can still park across the street, 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, give it its best chance to byESTIMATES public, did after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator of the Environmental habitat including In a they letter to so the Forest first horse thatmeadows, wasand rescued 1 Horse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch and founder tify what each individual’s specific growth found the Bitterroot At the beginning of the meeting, feels the conversation about the parkshould tryoftoValley; work with her.” per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Florence, Victor, would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation significantly voted down the center, and co-founder and ExecPaid for by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 21 there were several comments been done in page person, However, Mayor Bob Michalson See ART, See PARKING, page14 6 SUMMIT, page4 4college cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such oldpublic. ing should haveSee and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and theasfrom a community district twice, the trustees wentP.O. back
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
Partners in Home Care Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds opens Hamilton office Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task
Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video more participation
sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face fire on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold Butterfly project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday
Glass recycling BVCC gives it one more college try Stevi deals withevent parking issue scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance
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