W Weee W ell sSsSell ell
PRST PRST STDSTD PRST STD PRST STD POSTAGE USUS POSTAGE US POSTAGE US POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID PAID STEVENSVILLE MT MT STEVENSVILLE STEVENSVILLE MT STEVENSVILLE MT PERMIT 89 89 PERMIT PERMIT 89 PERMIT 89
icenses icenSeS l llicenses icenSeS
Outlet StOre OUTLET STORE
FOrall all yOur ammunitiOn For or all your ammunition mmunition F your a unting n & &H HH unting needS eeds eedS & unting n eeds
• • 777-2822 4034 Hwy 93 N. • • 4039 93 NN N Stevensville, 4034 HWY HWY 93 STEVENSVILLE (406) 777-2822 STEVENSVILLE www.ammoandmorestore.com
www.ammoandmorestore.com www.ammoandmorestore.com
Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume Number 35 30 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume XXXIX, Number 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 26, 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds Eagles in winter Groundbreaking held Association for medical Bitter Root Three MileHumane Community Centercenter open
celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary speech, occupa-
by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse
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 Ravalli County Eight Mile Creek Company. public safety, to wildlife, and process across the state impacts by handing its the including therapy the presentation into other rooms and the Sheep Creek Mine proposal. the decisionThe event overto 220 people The Hamilton TrapThree Club has Schmiedeke, coming, but the new Indrew addition theaoff loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording to the prelimito the rural character of the was also discussed. In that mandated duties to other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people were lined up out the door. Ramsey is a founder of the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. “It was Mile Center is up who serves on to take out project was for by the been fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held aaCommunity groundbreakby Michael Howell anda cut the ribbon atpaid last week’s tional approval last week to 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 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 a 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 may ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also built just of functions as a 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, a the working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit Stevensville at thesupporting Mile Creek Road and Upper road system. Additionally, and some already having to the Department of Natural to analyze the impacts on the Kathie Butts, President of the Road in Hamilton. The event served a president ofby the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, and has been his bio on the Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this in 2012 their loan nity members. Other major community providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai Woodchuck Road east of the applicant is proposing to be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. double purpose. It included a ribbon Board, said, “This organization has system, and a gorgeous view and incorpopayments contributors were the Three programs such as The Bitteron continuing to 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 Hwy 93. including developed by Lauratours Watson of whole foot easement impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. She said the for the use and Those payRock Park and theservices. Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, of the “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was benefit of is the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide 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 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. their terroot CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honorAlong of thewith organization’s 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 the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50thprograms, birthday. said that Marcus Consultants Inc. (PCI). Fire District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has raised over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profit organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conSchmiedeke assessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn 1984, peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. gle-family residential use The 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 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 hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated laclub islocally utilized by local schools, little owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page 14 fundraisingSee campaign to fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts, a walking a playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are aon waning See the CENTER, page 3 new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. the among with a 99-year lease. Six years later, pandemic hit and construction others. in the works, costs but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded current executive OneThe Book Store, in Ham-disome John Bishop, pictured from left, leads a gathering people involved in the there were celebrating the opening of the new animalfifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michaelof Howell. 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 Bitterroot Health project inKristin a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had housed Sueby McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kruse. the current shelter is located. The to this, as they were re- page 5 See TRAP, See SHELTER, page pandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building an old building cently awardedreplaces for being their vision is that by John Dowd do. According to Steinhoff, “We have just north of the Stevensville Junction. an “outstanding model by Nathan Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important Hamilton City Council met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim to mail way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing day, March 5They to discuss 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 several of a “medical center” rather just a 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, clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more presented with Certificate of care” ping depot for FedEx, The new 12-acre campus will and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the Hospital, which isversation a critical access about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe provide primary, care, urgent care and with those One has three byChapter John Dowd commissioners through a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know co-owners, and been steps a lengthy fundand fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of lier,to made ityear, into theMara opening.Police After Chiefthe time. Snavely. However, at the end of the Stephen open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating one of them, Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commubricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his thepresentation meeting,toduring the non-agenda items In the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoit up, shows the county, ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. practitioner, andwas two more doctors Numerous Baldcity Eagles have been in the Burnt area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it comes beloved long-time who is congregating discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affectclerk, conseroverall, doing very well by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but have been so successvation in the Bitterroot through on its tax collections and The Bitterroot NaOverstreet 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 andcomment programs. 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 hoststood afool public meetingthe council. Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. is hoff to address 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 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 or two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having expenses have only awards three winners who can 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m.County hosted byan the Fish anddepartment’s and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” HernearlyDuring that time, ing 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 thoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, commondue tactics for and former council member, public at the next Halfway through celebration. projections in large to do it related all. “Wetocouldn’t private practice inconservation, Unlimhismeeting oxygen level fields by Victoria regarding theHowell 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 to theSteinhoff, two-member According was the issue re-roofing thebooks city intending send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds of the winners to receive a Mara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used 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 He “We’ll do our job, ” Christine said it wasn’t going affect me,on but shop.run. According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. street County CFO Klarryse the Administration. county’s share Stevensville Town Council, check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, andin also He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only takeThe than Boddy. learned that it would just City Public Works Director, Donny customer Sometimes they was a frequent commenter Gibson who graduated high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle in the Army for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seewill COUNTY, con-Ramer, tell theirpage 10 one little 2023. mistake and we all be the during building is used Joan for snow at council meetings Mell, an attorney She has sowill far seemed with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and toMay joinof theSteinhoff meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in late August he was wasthe no joke.familiar “It fused and unOver victims that a loved has hurting.” said that he heard plow storage and for other maintecompleted a she semester of collegethe last administration. In from Hamilton, was recpotential victims, but wishes similar public meetings audience that was having good use as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee. told cancer got familiar withnance equipment. According to Ra- course of so herbad I felt landed in jail, or that a prize about thethe track record of the company andthat submitted herintranscript that others withinFreeman the commupublic comment, Crews told roof, ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held said the committee trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won,hopes but a to feeraise needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original which has providing 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 comsome significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had She breathe, likefor I their safety. At least one ings on the internet. said associated courses. These are 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 the former chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn In addition to the the heating custom leathpicious when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down on 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 boarded, or aided what was a resident at a local cants must meet be eligible nel they had was notolonger about and participate Following the a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition tocan Rose Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready to taxpayers with theclosure billin forofthe cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment and up.facility Bucking stock beAllen hard on metal.” removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, then recovextended nursing 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 customgrab the package from a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there anyThe 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another ofplan, thesethis requiretreatment the boarding to had be to be provided with a ride isage notand a question and answer” ering, from 21 Covid-19. ing a climbing er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould $60,000Mell in front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or ments is that each applicant started 11 years agoorbut couldn’t be held last year to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covsession. “It’s public ” their did work the work no charge to opened at the same Howevartists havecomment. not shown in at the particular cash, all of “They always direct the ever, members of the public submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the thehad Bitterroot Valley before, so there details of the which was victim to send it, ‘no signature The mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted to who had tried to access the cussing the role hunting plays “It’s common sense to me,” year. topics: surgery, he was is when I realized changeover, it will remain a place should aanswering lot of interest inand theMark new transaction. being required,’” she adds. Fredhe Upchurch, Deuter Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associlyofthat wouldbe beSavannah publicly thank Joan fraudufor helpThe Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joan aMell, she says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall “This is the first year we’ve ever done fully diagnosed with I was not art. After two months of renovations material. ThereFred are 16 artists in total lentlythat deThe Bank Secrecy Act ation. Photo courtesy Upchurch. See RCFW, page 3questions from the public. ing me and helpingtaking the town, ” flags abound when seniors are center, for filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. Covid while hidden behind brown-paper covso far, and the owners are always ly, it was not manded from of 1970 requires banks to being scammed. “If a person also said that they said outcomes ofas the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l towill Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened more. “We like allOverstreet. kinds seniorseriously for patience she worked “I was obviously Staub’sCrews firstwelcoming citizen enough. keep track ofr, withdrawals 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. Mayorthey’re Steve Gibson, council sudden coming into the members Cindy Brown and The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new business will feature business partner, Suzette Smith. encountered the commuSee STEVI, page 2 “interesting comments” from Greg Overstreet talks about his recent brush with death due to Overstreet. “It hit Jim Crews, former mayor bank 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 byPhoto Karen such cirStaub is Covid. by VictoriaSome Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 Photo by Nathan Boddy. Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her were previous participants in the 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 ofRealty a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on Montana hasthe changed since Lottermoser and flavor and more. Thisnot year Stevensville completed their adoption FFA fielded teams incontinue twelve contests by John Dowd of franchise, many should noand the south FFA portions of theproved valley, Exit team will working 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. and itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t Protection Agency. The letter aspen and whitebark pine; the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest 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 Michael Howell Since January 2, Exit Realty in the to some positive growth in the future. sale, the south portion was purchased want to change a whole bunch right to help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavaccomplished woodworker, creating contains recommendations that “Ravalli County objects 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 Last year, the previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. See ART, page 6 ior. impacts ainvariety 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. toof unmitigated SEIS for record of decision forest products and changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change will The deadline closed on Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships bybyVictoria Howell year, the2023-24 facility took inthe justcreation under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Stenot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, the Gold Butterfly. Concernwas issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all county owned/maintained toart, put on January 18,participant’s for filing 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 include: commissioners all work isHowell done her twoenvelopes casing the loveown of and Florence inthe April. for last Stevensville and spent every penny. venville’s main drag, beckons visitorsunits. According es might affect them.byFortunately, rights that pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Exitroads Realty is still the equipment Lendman said that itand will notanalysis change a ing the scope of the from heavy 2021 accompanied by a Draft treatment to Dominic Farrenall the doors and then shut off access to Stevensville River highway, because now you’re going to sold to a new owner Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The project involved the creation of tions tousing the Draft Supplemenhands, no lasers orof CNC maandJasmin the Bitterroot’s love the state. have been theJohn most active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McShinn, founder and There are no paid employees; it’s an allaccording to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it, the fransame company. Additionally, accordin. Photo by Dowd. kopf, director put valentine cards The activities Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre parkare onwelcome the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-priand logging mostly, the letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release set of easily accessible items that hadThe secret hiding ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement current owner of the valley half chise was split between the north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1 Horse volunteer organization. But said 12 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 cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed but not limited to, the impacts 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 it costs about $200 perfishing month toaim feed A Time Draft Horse Homes inHowever, Hamilton, isRescue liked the idea. He asked aAtsmall piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour - there is aflask developed access site. drugs orthe hide aand small of whiskey. The was Hamilton. after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. Management Wildlife Reto Willow Creek Road. Due to defining old-growth stantreatment areas are within an Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice these “gentle there are askinginthe community students Stevensville an that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But I giants.” think opportunity it’sThen [the the to provide a learning toon see the Montana, thebridge, organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led bypiece Selwyn Hackresource and financial limitasource Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the area designated for insect and veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost last week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in love with the According tolopes. the contest orgaett, 1st place individual with team the engaging of ag teachers Last year the sufficient old-growth habitat new decision were received disease treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would little love this special envelopes presented with aValencheck forof$7500 associated costs to rehabilitate meeting. The land ownership will now river and access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. “Iother 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 members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and Josette Hackett and Trevor Motley. lopes were so full they The project is now 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 Moton suitable timberland to dense pockets of dead and dynot be able to accommodate by the January 18 deadline from representatives of JCCS, an these horses. When they’re fi nally ready Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial non-comthey have beenand showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Matthew Walker. Students then have the option to put had to be emptied more really popular, and About years resident. people piece, whichfour located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson he up the for ley. “There are many cars out what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, most can be driven or there, accounting fiis rm with branch the support viable populations having to dowith with theparticipation ing trees. They claim the area said been through their artacontest. The of Chapter Meeting: team even more, full their knowledge to necessary thelooked testsaid asmaintenance FFA mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. by Kristin Kruse ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side said she had a real problem with old minutes and found that the land I think it can be used for parking. But then you don’t see. If you don’t see, then you don’t located in Hamilton. Part of the ridden, and some just become “pasture idea came from a similar art contest members Zane Deering, Teigen Hackfrom all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally sancof old-growth dependent logging of old growth, potenis impacted by mountain pine during the project, nor the within a 55,000was acre area ofto the center opened its doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf tooffered see tines to fill the enveof the bridge, Town this piece of land. “It’s where two was donated onand theleadership condition that looking long term, if youDUI, haveKuntz, prop-10 See VALENTINES, page 10 pets.” selection for awarding that gift See page they held in Houston, Texas right afett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career developby John Down first to beYahraus created in the lastto put beetle, “Itheads really openedbark the beetle, in 2020. That of first was to the drawing board. species. ” side The letter notes that Douglas-fir rehabilitation thelevy road afteron the tial to converge, wildlife and and Stevens Tucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for as aimpacts roads the banktheir is incrediitment would be maintained and utilized west ofestablished the river,and then was online voting and according 1 erty Horse At AOne Time was ter the of September 11,use 2001. Adelaide Meyer, Palmer, Corps many “I events and contests. 50 years. To doand this, theyhomeschoolers. will door tomistletoe some interesting permanent and asked for $9.5 ofCierra the problems, acthe project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits the scope Willow Creek Road. dwarf and western together to decide what was needed just to the north of Fort Owen State potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially consoltains east of Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to need Tasiain Rohbock. astonished, last to have that To contend at the state level, to JCCS branch manager, Andrea Shinn 2018. She’s originally “Hopefully, the third to was ask the community conversations people,” million, which Butler by said cording to Butler, was, from “we asor not needed in theyear, community. They with Park is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot County objects to in shifting of itsphone environmental conseNational Forest spruce budworm damage. During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell batteries (outTown of feature the beauty of the state and FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank is the charm,” commented to pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the Germany where she grew up around Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time came up and with the conceptpart of Although a of career nonprofit organization that offers a mayor Jim Crews, the owner ofand land channel the deepest the in general Vickie Motley, parkat board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think something quences to vegetation, financial burden of the project officials have stated that the the Bitterroot isbecause March 9th, 2024, the phone). This isValley lastaIt’s minute info so to give back to the community, Hackett “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above the district withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” the trustees were Bitterroot Community was one of the top four vote horses. She’s always been horse fan, center, which is were modeled after a that highly ber, said that nothing had been done free career training program side targetat the river ononce the northeast had channel. you develop RDO Equipment Co. agreement with the proposed to2 The Ravalli County andbut believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve from 10 a.m. tounsure p.m.Western at exactly the north if you don’t have batteries toabout recycle thought their successful art without Prepared Public Speaking: Colton said Hafer,Iforganization saying thattoart entries level to advance. FFA College (BVCC) trustee andaccess success. campaign, which helped the of how the College was.” However, there after Friends of the Bitterroot she is especially passionate getters. successful in Denver, ed towards highly motivated people attempted to shut off river on for fishing, I would also see a problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, pageto 16 end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According Harris come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve 8571 Running W. Road secretary, Sue Smith. She was The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major it is contrary to current law pine marten. forest resilience to natural project, the Ravalli County check followed the wake draft horses. She and her husband, a ages 18 and older in Wild bothinRavalli and called “Crosspurpose.” It offers similar andThat Alliance for the grounds. Theofprice is the the impression same, $1 per next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managGreenhand: Adelaide Meyer This will the ninth year they schools west the Continental Divide speaking about theinorganizaMay 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the “We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances like fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 services, according to Stevens. Missoula Counties. In addition toon of a $25,000 gift November military retiree, and their two children Rockies filed suit claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th.Additional ing director of ATR, and art contest state qualifying events have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA nature of the community tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent six-month offered free training, Summit offers concern over impacts to drinks orForest officials also received species are listed in and disease;The reduce sedi- program relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20fromcareer Tractor Supply. 406-549-4171 agency failed to the best tained food be recycled Cardboard be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, for the Stevensville FFA:will ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools of allmay classifications college.recycling According to also Butler, ask public foruse help with a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into three That sounds like a lot of acre farm which Shinn said can support comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not ment in the Willow county owned and maintained forthis a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been Ag Sales placebelieve team led This year, they will be away compete in FFA includPresenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high many it tobybe rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, Director of the NEPA Branch clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek Creek watershed; improve stayAndrea on, but please remove lids. by the non-profits When speaking about the contest Kayton French, 3rd place individual around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and associated with the outreach community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, 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 is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, ofoftrout with team members Jones, cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Road. Office of Stevensville, the Regional bull habitat; restore program run Kamryn by the Universiterroot. According tohorses trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they iswent to the the district was levy Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenan expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the See GOLD, page ty of Montana. The reality is 65 vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance to byESTIMATES public, did after being for community funds. After •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 foundergive tify what each individual’s specific growth found the Bitterroot per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of significantly voted down the center, and co-founder and ExecSee FFA, page page 14 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, the trustees went 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
Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds
New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task
Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter special video more participation sweeps North valley Exit Realty has district a new face Gold Butterfly project draws some objections
Spreading love horse Local draft rescue Stevi to return park land thriving to county
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
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN THE
SOUTHGATE MALL
493-0051