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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
’ ! l a c o L at t s e B e h ‘T 37 29 Volume Number 35 VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 30 36 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume XXXIX, Number 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 20, 2024 Wednesday, January 26, 13, 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 winterHumane Groundbreaking held forIrish medical center Bitter Root Association Daly Mansion pours whiskey Three Mile Community Center open
celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary speech, occupa-
by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Kristin Michael Howell John Dowd by 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 For the and Scottish, is mixed The Hamilton Trap Club haswhiskey coming, butIrish the new Three Schmiedeke, 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 deeply with the blood of their histories. Mile Center is up cultural who serves on Both 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 toinvention 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 countries tout the ofplat whiskey, and running. Located at 4433 both the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. Aoriginal 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, athe presentatation in Darby and contacted him, expressed a resident of the Waterkeepers West Fork. Heand has was attended by(the people from all over whose ancient name was ‘water of life,’ orthe aqua Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and 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 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 Anaconvitae. Centuries on, both Scotch and Irish11 whistheits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sothey hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root was started by a bunch of little old ment on athat parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the environment as complex will besales County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and as farsuch away as of Lone Rock Park. The buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, key rank in49.22-acre the top oftheir liquor,the worldwide. Last TheSchool cialize, compete and hone 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 weekend, in an effort to honor that history, and to skills, the club also functions as a built just north of animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection of Eight ular tripsCeltic per day to the local lowering of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and been in the area and failing proposal. According to Mark Oswald, limited. according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, athe working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, celebrate St. Day, Bitterroot So-Ramsey, 501c3 non-profit the Stevensville atPatrick’s thesupporting Mile Creek Road and Upper road system. Additionally, and some already having to the Department of Natural to analyze the impacts on the Road in Hamilton. The event served a Kathie Butts, President of the president ofby the RCFWA, thePreservation event was excited his bio on the Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this in 2012 their loan nity members. Other major ciety and the Daly Mansion Trust came to speak, and has been 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. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. It included a ribbon system, and a gorgeous view and incorpopayments contributors were the Three together tosuch hostasaThe tasting of strictly Irish whiskey at programs 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 the mansion. cutting ceremony in of new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. to club expand Hwy 93.was developed byfitting, Lauratours Watson of Daly foot easement for the use and impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. She said the Those payRock Park and theservices. Rapp This as Marcus himself immimembers, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, including of the whole “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was benefit ofhome the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily Thefrom building isarray now home totalHis cost is ments come ily of Foundation. grated Ireland in the late 1800s. and John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and an 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 property, todayAlong referred totheir as the Daly Mansion, is over the years. terroot CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honor 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 also where the Bitterroot Celtic Society hosts the own programs, the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50ththat birthday. said 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 Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering every year. 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 tasting was hosted by Terry Cody, a board $165,000 for the Shriners and peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. In 1984, gle-family use Celtic received dozens over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The member ofresidential the Bitterroot and event of co-written The Hope Project. The Society 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 laordinator for the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathclub is utilized by local schools, little locally 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 ering. Cody is a self-taught whiskey enthusiast, who 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 helped with other the CelticChamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bithas been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, amonghosted byBitterroot business. thetastings with a 99-year lease. Six years later, Elliot “Whispandemic hit and construction Games and their whiskey ambassador, 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 key Wizard” McFarlane. The event this last weekend The current executive diOne Book Store, in Hamsome 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 was the sixth such event Codywhere has led, and his fourth rector, Tom Allsop, has been 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. one with the Mansion. 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 According to Cody, much what he has learned new building replaces an oldofbuilding cently awarded for being their vision that has come from watching hosts, picking their by “outstanding John Dowd do. Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an model otherby Nathan Boddy cumstances, having She adds thatisthe brains, then reading and watching YouTube videos. to act now, and stay ahead of this.” the Stevensville business,” according to encountered people most important In he highly recommends videos anda driving Hamilton City Council met watching TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, falling “quality, victim way to combat thefact, Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing tasting along5They with the hosts toat learn your day, March to discuss several thereway was not much they knew to do force the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is forthan people Association. willvideo of a “medical center” rather just a accessible, around bottles and spirits, as well spirit history. upcoming city projects. at the time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 as S. the 1st Street, was recently As aneed certified to ask questions also be celebrating 50 However, clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly Terry Cody with the Bitterroot Celtic Society and Darlene Gould, executive director for the Daly Mansion Presfor 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 ervation Trust. Photo by John Dowd.primary, care, urgent care and Hospital, which isversation a critical access See ST. PATRICK’S, page 21 provide about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe 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 #4 in the Farrenkopf is legally justified you know and love. co-owners, and been taking steps a lengthy fund by fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of lier, 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 to 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. Victoria Howell are being recruited. There willby also be he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from retiring. members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely saidcil that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but have been vation in so thesuccessBitterroot 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 areIfshipand Marisa Neyenhuis, most departments while scholarship program, which by Michael Howell informatics, remote sensing part of the big picture. you ments, precision agriculture and flood forecasting. thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March explained that he attended acan 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 and geospatial data analysis are really concerned about the and rangeland and forested Although he studies cli30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m.County Fish hosted byto the anddepartment’s and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” Her ing and his experiof the nearlyDuringThe paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be anpotential event worthy ofto a23% jubilee an attorney in that time, amounted of three people allows them display an interest in pursuing Close 60 people attendhas worked full time at future state of affairs watershed management. mate impacts on a very large to share information Wildlife Association andand Troutence Unlimthoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several other with Ms. Staub was one cash, common tactics for and former council member, public at the next Halfway celebration. due in large to do it related all. “We private practice inconservation, hismeeting oxygen level fields tocouldn’t ed aVictoria panel presentation the Montana Climate Office in lateprojections summer, you can’t data isincollected from weathscale, Hoylman focusedthrough his by Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part to job vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of this year’s do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears toMissoula be continuing when council and considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, discussion entitled “Let’s Get (MCO) in since just count on the early spring er, soilthe moisture snow comments at the meeting ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion agenda stations In early March, a custom-on regular wasmonitoring unwittingly send-from claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo Reel: threats and solutions 2018. SNOTEL reports. installed upon the local impacts in diagnosed with a normal of his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management the second regular of aAt proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, the first to be brought er cameAstopart the Boxxe Shoppe ingacross to aforward scammer inThe network resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one for our waters and fisheries” of his job, HoylOne hundred percent the state. the Bitterroot watershed. He 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 the two-member According to Steinhoff, was the issue re-roofing the city intending send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds of theBOOKS, winners to receive aMara Lynn Luthermanage sits in Chapter One’s used books section. Photo John Dowd. sponsored Bitterroot Water man helps the has grown sixbrain snowpack may sound likefor a emphasized howShoppe. important which he’s been onby for 12 years. A real estate February ofby2021. that 51 by is Christine Staub of the Boxxe Photo Nameeting will be on See page 18 should run. He “We’ll dofrom our the job, ”initial said it wasn’t going toheld affect me, but street shop. According tostations Hamilton viaI government FedEx. County CFO Klarryse good thing. the Administration. county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, on check was Savannah Deuter, Partnership at the Daly Leach Montana Mesonet Dashboard installed in 2016 to And it is. But it it is to consider the many agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and also He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only takeThe than Boddy. learned that it would City Public Donny customer was a frequent commenter Gibson who graduated high school January 27, room town clerk Jenelleinjust conference Hamilton where the public canWorks accessDirector, a over 100 stations, through is only anSometimes indication they of how variables involved assessing in the in Army for 21 years, his and 10 instructions and ain link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seeorganizational COUNTY, page seemed conwill tell run theiroff one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, the building is used for snow at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far last week. Attendees got to wealth of climate-related data support from private landmuch water will in both the current and future familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to join the meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, have been putthe to in late August he was wasthe no joke. “It fused and unOver victims that adoes lovednot one has hurting.” Steinhoff said of that he heard plow storage and for other maintecompleted a semester college hear in detail from local exincluding soil temperatures, owners, watershed groups, spring and directly status of overall conditions. the last administration. In from Hamilton, was recpotential victims, but wishes similar public meetings audience that she was having good use as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee. told cancer got so familiar withnance equipment. course ofand herbad I felt For the most part all eyes landed that awater prizewill about thethe track record of the According to state Ra- agencies andthat submitted her perts how climate change hascompany evapotranspiration rate,told and tribes, relateintojail, howormuch that others withinFreeman the commupublic comment, Crews ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held intranscript said the committee hopes to raise trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won, but a fee needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original roof, which has providing proof of compLeting affected the Bitterroot River volumetric water content, air grants from entibe available in late summer tend to focus snowpack nity would help on herthe look out 2021. the council thatsignificant those makto handle thefederal prosecution $50,000 this year, to forbethe expansion of the rodeo and Staub the Boxxe paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsome leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, likefor I during ings on the internet. She said associated courses. These are watershed and what we might temperature, precipitation, ties. In 2020, the MCO was when the farmers, ranchers, the winter and how it their safety. At least one Inhas addition to the been in the by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on October was being water the former YouTube chantwo ofinseveral criteria appliexpect coming decades. atmosphericInpressure, snow awarded a contract from the of the relates to the victims averageshe of years floaters, fishermen, and fish potential opportunity to learn 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 what cants must meet be eligible One of the presenters, water equivalents and more, U.S. Army Corps to add 205 aided need it the most. past. Wea tend to key the was resident at ainto local nel they had was notolonger about and participate Following the ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition tocan Rose Allen Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready to taxpayers with theclosure billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up.facility Bucking stock beWhat hard on metal.” removal, the fidevelopnal I The imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovUniversity of Montana Reall displayed in easy-to-underadditional stations. new matters most in snowpack update reports extended nursing and the process of working but they had set up 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 was anyThe 10th annual cowboy ball has – which Another ofplan, these requiretreatment the boarding to had befrom to be provided with asites ride search Assistant Professor stand formats. our six SNOTEL this regard to doactually with the stations will21 be installed every is notand agraphic question and answer” ering, from Covid-19. ing a climbing this er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould age $60,000Mell in orbut front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or ments is that each applicant started 11 years ago couldn’t be held last year to the bank as well as to the Zachary Hoylman, specializes The Mesonet was designed which yield data about the timing of the melt off, how 500 square miles in central colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting cov“It’s public ” their did work the work no charge opened at the same Howevartists havecomment. not shown in at the session. particular cash, all of to “They always direct the ever, members ofwill thelocation. publicdissubmit a 500-word essay Boxxe Shoppe. in ecosystem-climate-hyto support decision-making snow water equivalent of the early and how quickly all that and eastern Montana to due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details of thethehad which was to victim to send it, ‘no signature The mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who hadinteractions, tried to access theplays cussing the role hunting “It’s common sense to me,” drology drought snowpack. But this is only one for statewide drought assessimprove drought assessments 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. Seeand CLIMATE, page 4 Fredhe Upchurch, Deuter Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish 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, ” center, abound when seniors are for filling in while town Greg objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. Covidflags while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from ofattorney 1970 requires banks to being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public Montanawith Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19.ofPictured Mell are, l towill Overstreet, ered windows, Studio opened for“I patience as Jake’s she worked was obviously Staub’s firstwelcoming more. “We like all kinds seniorseriously 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 Desserts are provided 4Hin members. time having members of $10,000 or by more order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayorthey’re Steve dinner. Gibson, council coming into the members Cindy Brown and The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new “It business feature Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2 sudden “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. hit will 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 the commissioners stated Protection Agency. The letter aspen and whitebark pine; 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 manage timber to provide that “Ravalli County objects Plan. 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 Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. See ART, page 6Johnby ior. impacts ainvariety of from furniture to A Thevalley. Christian Veterans of have themay along the U.S. Highway 93 on theMax by Dowd Mark Fischer, Bill Looser and occasionally the To do this, they be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the Draft SEIS for toof unmitigated toevents. new record of decision forest products and changes, butpieces many in the valley franchise owners, Tina and ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe this change will The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell if it would be possible The DUI Task Force approved the creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that Bitterroot is a group of followers Bitterroot Trail to Set Free Christhe establishment owner, Jim Edwards. created a county-wide contest, showgrades. 95th State FFA Convention in Billings 2023-24 district championships by Victoria Howell year, the facility took in justin under Theonsign for Jake’s Studio, on Stenot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though the franchise has split affect buyers and sellers the valley, county owned/maintained the Gold Butterfly. Concernretain old growth status in all was issued December 17, toart, put on January 18, for filing objecbyJesus Victoria hisCorvallis property which would in effect For one with the highway, whichwho is aahas state addressed when the private land was Mischief Room May and include: commissioners all her work isHowell done by her own twoenvelopes of Christ who have served tian Fellowship Church in Lolo. flyRealty tyer, According toand Edwards, the bunch likes to a casing the participant’s love of and Florence schools inindependent April. for last Stevensville $240,000 spent every penny. venville’s main drag, beckons visitorsunits. According es might affect them. Fortunately, rights that pertained to the Bitterroot in the valley, Exit is still the equipment Lendman said that itand will notanalysis change ing the scope of the treatment to roads from heavy 2021 accompanied by a Draft 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 to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC main the military. If you are a believAll valley churches, youth been doing it for 45 years, fly fishing has say, “You can’t smoke ‘em all day if you and the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McThere are no paid employees; it’s an allJasmin Shinn, founder and according to Kim director Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it,the the fransame company. Additionally, accord-mostly, in. Photo by John Dowd. kopf, activities put valentine cards in The Stevensville Town CounPark, a 20-acre park on east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the Bitterand logging trucks, SEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding er in Jesus Christ, then you have groups, families, friends, and become a life’s passion. Having flung flies don’t start early!” This mantra relates to ATRowner Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education programvolunteer Casland, 1st placeSee individual with tal Environmental Statement current of the valley half chise was split between the north ing to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1 Horse organization. But said 12 EXIT, page them. atwas Sapphire Lutheran cil split on whether tomotto accept just toreally the north private ofthe boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn the state where someone could stash some not to, the impacts root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide about piece 90% of proposed cific forest plan amendment a place in this group. The individuals are invited tothe parfor so long, he has come tobut learn alimited thing fishing, as one of their favorite parts of Desware design company, now based inFarrenkopf participate. Some of of the schools even learn about a wide range ofcompartments agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Kyra (Draft SEIS) for the Gold it costs about $200 per month to feed At A Time Draft Horse Rescue Homes inHowever, Hamilton, isand liked theticipate idea. He a small piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye atfriends, 45 miles perman hour is aflask developed access site. drugs orthe hide aand small of whiskey. The aim was is “give back with love,” the byasked walking a three-mile or to. Forare his circle of the is-athere fishing is getting out on fishing the water early to Hamilton. after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. Management Wildlife Retreatment areas within an to Willow Creek Road. Due to defining old-growth stanButterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility inthe Corvallis, gotitem a nice these “gentle giants.” Then there are asking community students at schools Stevensville bridge, an that was and negotiated the donation of the are going to be accidents there.” “But I think it’s [the piece on the to provide parents a learning opportunity to see the group’s goal to help fellow vet- dards. section as a group. Your time wealth of knowledge, especially regarding spend the day casting away. Montana, theisorganization owners lum. school day under the dedicated and Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Hacksource Objective “Maintain resource andhe financial limitaSome objections to securing the area designated for insect and boost last week when shethe was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and to team send his residents and daycares toAccording make National Forest project considered at the March 24th council land on the west, MayorThey Steve Gibson west] still a viable piece oftoland for ways in which any young person can erans, their families and local is the drive to the potential stand behind his didn’t Lester got his start tying when hehide wasthe and have fallen inathat love with thecommitment tolopes. the contest orga-the flies themself. engaging instruction ofsaid ag various teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year the envetions, Ravalli County would sufficient old-growth habitat new decision were received disease treatment because of little love this Valenspecial envelopes and other associated costs to rehabilitate presented with a check for $7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use the land is to the town. “I city to have, whether or not you put their substance use fromFalls casual inspections. includes 13,000 acres community prayer a one-hour walk, flies so much that they sit with him outside living in Great and was fishing the state andnearly thethrough people. One ofand the wayscheckpoint, nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett and Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and were so full they The project is now tine’s decorate them foraccess each revert toDay. the county. The 1.52-acre the dispute. only see liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Moton suitable timberland to dense pockets oflopes dead andadynot and be able to accommodate January 18 deadline from representatives of that JCCS, anby these horses. When they’re finally ready Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, work. They want allnon-comChristians, and then the drive home. Cross a local Stevensville business, recomMissouri. He started with a simple fly of commercial and they have been showing love hasthe entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. had to be emptied more really popular, and Then people About years piece, whichfour is located adjacent tomostly the Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the known ley. “There are so many cars there, said what sheadoption, tells parents is,Missouri “If you don’t look, for can be driven or accounting fi rm with acontest. branch support viable populations ing trees. Theyanyone claim the area the having to doyear’s with the particularly veterans, knowresident. bearers for this march are mend with an interest in looked fly fishing there asmost the Riverout Special, been through their artto The even more, with full participation their knowledge to necessary the test asmaintenance FFA Conduct of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year. by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. The 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 that they are not alone, and we also needed. stop by, visit and talk fishing. Also, a good which was a take on what is often called idea came from acre a similar art contest all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally sancmembers Zane Deering, Teigen Hackduring the project, nor the of old-growth dependent logging from of old growth, potenis impacted by mountain pine within a 55,000 area of center opened its doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf tooffered see tines to fill the enveof the bridge, was tothem, the Town this piece of land. “It’scall where two was donated on theleadership condition that looking long term, if youDUI, have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 selection for awarding that gift pets.” See page 10 and others are here to help For more information cigar or two will not be turned away. the Platte River Special. Lester found it was they held in Houston, Texas right afThese also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and developett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, “Itheads really openedbark the beetle, in 2020. That of first was to the drawing board. by John Down first to beYahraus created in the lastto put beetle, species. ” side The letter notes that tial impacts to converge, wildlife and Douglas-fir rehabilitation thelevy road afteron the Tucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch and Stevens forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aBrian roads the banktheir is incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty west the river, then according to Doug Mason, one of Wrede atmany 406-369-5813 or Rick Lester’s Elite Flies have been simple to tie,Atand cheap toofget the materi1 Horse A Time was established was online voting and according ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, and door to some interesting permanent and asked for $9.5 One of the problems, ac50 years. To do this, they will the DrafttoSEIS limits the scope dwarf mistletoe and the project is complete. Ravalli Willow Creek Road. just toeast theof north of Fort Owen State together to decide what needed potential river access site. bly steep… I think therewas are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access potentially tains Corvallis. the organizers. attend the Christian Veterans of have catching fish across the state, and much of for. He bought affordable fly consoltyer’s ATR wanted to find atry way to need astonished, last to that To contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. to JCCS branch manager, Andrea by Shinn in 2018.an She’s originally from conversations people,” million, which Butlerals said cording to Butler, was, “we as“Hopefully, the third to was ask the community Park is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or not needed in theyear, community. They with County objects to shifting of its 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 Town The original proposal was “We believe local Christians the Bitterroot prayer breakfast at Butter, the West for years, and according to him vice from awhere local and started tying his The next glass recycling event in button, cellstore phone batteries (out of feature the beauty of the state andto said said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen speaking about was exorbitant andin occurred sumed people knew what the is the charm,” levy, participation,” which BVCC Germany she grew up around Simmerman, 1commented Horse At A Time nonprofit organization that offers a pass amuch came up with the concept of Although a of career mayor Jim Crews, theshow owner ofand land channel and the deepest part the Vickie Motley, park board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think It’s something quences to vegetation, officials have stated that the in general financial burden of the project need to stand up and soliBJ’s every Monday at 7 a.m. You and others, he has tied tens of thousands own. Eventually, he got so good with those, the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info 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 vote 2020side their “Ask ber, and said Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Community Bitterroot Community has triedcenter, to do twice before was one ofValley the top four horses. She’s always been a horse fan, so free career training program targetwhich is were modeled after recent a that highly at the river ononce the northeast hadcan channel. Ifto you toart develop that nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. darity with fellow Christians here also go to http://corvallisof them. Lester and a few friends gather in and tried so many more than he could the pileated woodpecker and agreement with the proposed to Ravalli County and believe project is designed improve 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 campaign, which helped the unsure of exactly how the College was.” However, there College (BVCC) trustee and without success. after Friends of themotivated Bitterroot getters. but she is especially passionate about ed towards highly people successful organization in Denver, attempted to shut off river access on for fishing, I would also see a problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, page 16 and around the world. The Chrispost91.blogspot.com/ or https:// front of Burnt Fork Market every Friday ever use, that he started asking around end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them to contest was way to go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 Running W. Road The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major secretary, Sue Smith. She was it is contrary to current law pine marten. forest resilience to natural project, the Ravalli County draft horses. She and her husband, a the check followed the wake ages 18 and older in Wild bothinRavalli and called “Crosspurpose.” It offers similar andThat Alliance for the tian Veterans of the Bitterroot are www.facebook.com/corvallisthrough spring and then again in fall, to shops if they would purchase his work. grounds. The price is the same, $1 per the next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west of under the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer public on the topic of creating the impression that misunderstanding about the speaking about theinorganizaMay 7, via a mail-in ballot. and existing agreements. ” theStar “We realize these old growth disturbances like fire,beinsects Commissioners expressed Missoula, MT 59808 Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to Stevens. of a $25,000 gift November military retiree, and their two children Rockies filed claiming the asking all Christians in the Bitsell Lester’s flies. them, it is program/FFA adesired chance post91 Once he got his flies into the shops, he gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th.Additional ing director ofsuit ATR, and art contest have held thechair contest, andthe each year with anFor ag education state qualifying events college. public an independent nature of the community tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee free career training, Summit offers The six-month program offered species areskill listed in concerntoover impacts to drinks Forest officials also received and disease; reduce sedirelocated toindicator Montana and a and 20from Tractor Supply. 406-549-4171 agency failed thewith best terroot Valleyto touse ‘March for Jesus hang out, smoke good cigars and talk to started becoming known forbought his tained or food may be recycled Cardboard recycling will also be lead coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in prizes. chapter. Schools of all classifications for the Stevensville FFA: Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college. According to Butler, ask the public for help a mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into threecounty phases. That sounds like a lot of acre farm which Shinn said can support owned and maintained comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not ment in the Willow Christ’ onscience Saturday, April 16th. “Jesus then said to$7500 his discianyone an interest in the can heabranched out, to tieled forthis a by fee.with Anyfrom color, and labels available foreventually, apeople fee. available in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete together in FFA includAg Sales 2nd placebelieve team Presenting a stated check for from JCCS to Shinn (second left) 1 Horse At by and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees saidpassing that voted inofpreviously high many ithuntobybe rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin RDOequipment.com money but, according to Shinn, about horses. She currently Director of the NEPA Branch clear whether there are other Creek watershed; improve roads, especially Willow Creek You don’t need to be acomveteran to and sport. ples, ‘If with any man will follow me, dreds of20patterns. According to individual Field, when stayAndrea on, but please remove lids. Sponsored 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 others BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach community college in the BitA Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t This program isdraft the brainchild of called “personal development,” which taking care of horses is participate in the march.” “We’re just a bunch of guys that like let him forsake himself: and take speaking about Lester’s work, he said, “His 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 AdminRoad. bull trout habitat; restore worked to alter the levy to testing time they iswent the themascot district was program run by the Universiterroot. According to trustee and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny,to the non-profit’s and theable to levy ply with theMyla definition of old power duo Yahraus, the owner ofManager, involves aptitude toAlso idenan expensive proposition. Last The march will start at 7:00 to talk fly fishing,” said one of Lester’s up his cross, and follow me.’” flies are absolutely phenomenal!” AccordRecycling Works MT. will also be accepted for recycle. $2 See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, page give it its best chance and to public, they did so after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality is 65 vice chair, Jean Butler, this •FREEbyESTIMATES INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME IMPROVEMENT Cof O .COM In a At letter to the Forest istrator firstincluding horse thatmeadows, was rescued 1 Horse A Photo by Victoria Howell. of the Environmental the Fortfound Owen Ranch and founderhabitat tify what each individual’s specific growth the Bitterroot a.m. atbe the Angler’s Roost south years friends, Tim Field. From Matthewof16:24, 1599 per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, address the concerns the approved for the creation of significantly voted down would only the fourth of the center, and co-founder and ExecSee FFA, page page 21 ART, page See FLIES, page14 3 SeeSee SUMMIT, page4 4college of Hamilton proceed north Their crew is joined bytwice, “Soft Hackle” Geneva Bible. cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such as oldpublic. and Corvallis. a community district the trustees went back its kind in theand state, and the
Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years
Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting on track Ball on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Cowboy Surviving COVID Climbing Plan
Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good
scheduled
Climate change and fisheries in Bitterroot 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 moreplan participation sweeps Vets annual Vagabonds North valley Exit Realty has district a talk newroot face Gold Butterfly project draws some flies and fly objections fishing
‘March for Christ’ Spreading love Localtodraft horse rescue Stevi 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
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