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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume Number 37 35 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 9, 2022 Wednesday, January 26, 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2, Wednesday, March 27,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds Eagles in winter Groundbreaking held for medical center Bitter Root Association ThreeHabitat MileHumane Community CenterHome open New for Humanity
celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary speech, occupa-
by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell Michael Howell by John Dowd 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 Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing its the therapy theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. over 220 people Last Saturday, a group com-Eight The Trap Clubofhas coming, but the new Three Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to theaoff loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was munity members and officials Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to theOswald subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It gathered in Hamilton to and running. Located at celebrate 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 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 the groundbreaking of a new home. 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 develop11 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 AnaconAccording to Bill Bean, director ofimately theits 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 was started by environment a bunch offar little old ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel the 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 operations for Ravalli County Habof Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights itat for Humanity, this is the culmiskills, 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. to Oswald, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conserroom, aofshelter warming kitchen, a the working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, nation aAccording several year long journey 501c3 non-profit Stevensville at thesupporting Mile Creek and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the Road infamily. Hamilton. The event served Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major for this community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner ofand Kootenai Woodchuck Road east ofview a ribbon the be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double included system, a gorgeous andapplicant incorpo- is proposing to payments contributors were the Three Dan purpose. and Coleen Fernandez programs such as It 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 tothe rated Mile Fireway District, Lone currently live in Florence sondedicate cutting ceremony in of new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. towith club expand Hwy 93. and developed bydaughter 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 William Lucy. The members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, including 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. Fernandez family applied to become 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 aterroot partnership family years over the years. Along with their ago. CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honor of thetwo 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 For them, buying a house seemed 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 something far out of reach. They 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 conassessed, TMCSC received reduced had no credit, because they had Schmiedeke $165,000 for the Shriners and peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. In 1984, gle-family residential use cash, 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 paid for many things with The Hope Project. The and 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 laworked to stay out of debt. Without club 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 ofunable Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts, a walking path, ato playgroup had they didn’t credit, they were qualify Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are aon waning See CENTER, page new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then the Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run for loans. when they heard has been four years3 and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. However, the among with a 99-year lease. Six years later, pandemic hit and construction about Habitat Humanity, they others. in the works, costs but folks that own for 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 decided to try. current executive OneThe Book Store, in Ham-dithere were some John Bishop, pictured fifth from left, leads a gathering of people involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animal shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael Howell. had to take out a mortgage to finish theThe land totake the organization where need became much rector, Tom Allsop, has beenmore 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. dire when they discovered their 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 daughter has areplaces mental disability. new building an old building cently awarded for being their vision is that For them, getting the ability to have by “outstanding John Dowdmodel Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an by Nathando. Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the their own home was incredible. to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important “Just having aCity spotCouncil for my met son and TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim way to combat the Hamilton Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing daughter to 5grow up in aseveral safe comday, March 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. They will of a “medical center” rather just a accessible, munity is huge,” said upcoming city projects. However, at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask questions also be celebrating 50Coleen. clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly for 90 people years. Sheof and her husband believe when the 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 operation. Murphy. Shethe led the Hospital, which isversation a critical access being accepted as a partner family 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 for a new home in many ways a meeting held awas couple weeks earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the nic Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know co-owners, and accordbeen steps a lengthy fundand fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of an to many Firstly, lier,answer made ityear, into theprayers. opening. After Chiefthe time. Snavely. However, at the end of the Police Stephen open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating to one of them, Mara Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commubricks.” being in Hamilton will keepAssothem 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 it 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 ithospital. comes closer tolong-time aworks They are also beloved clerk, who is congregating discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation to they affect 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 excited about a part of the program 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 NaOverstreet hasthe a other the hospital with that hasBitterroot them take a home-buyers During the public comment period Police comments. Hamilton Department so in the presence of she knows that they ful. Joined by showing revenues over various projects and programs. Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf, Construction Supervisor Ben Frost, Lucy, Dan, William and Coleen Fernandez dig their shovels into 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 thesaid ground on which the family’s new home will sit. Photo by John Dowd. Fairgrounds will be held February hoststood afool public meeting 12th. is hoff to address the council. He council member Jenny West. “It See HABITAT, page 3 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 two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having expenses have only or 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 Unlimthoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, commondue tactics for and former council member, public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections in large to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion agenda send-from a normal of In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management the second regular of aAt proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. meeting of 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 See COUNTY, page 10 con-Ramer, will tell their 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, wasgot recvictims, butuse wishes similar public meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Cowboy committee. The Montana Department of design. An open roundabout, slow down. told that the cancer bad I potential felt familiarroundabout withnance equipment. course of so her in jail, Ball or that a prize about the track record of the company According to Raand submitted her transcript that others withinFreeman the commupublic comment, Crews told ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held in Transportation (MDT) has anhouse will be held later this year 2. Choose the lane you need 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 nity would help her look out 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution nounced a construction project at to share additional details with to travel in based on the exit you $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 breathe, likefor I their safety. At least one ings on the internet. She said associated courses. These are Inhas addition toand the US by John Dowd chines. the Bell Crossing Highway the public and gather feedback. need to take. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly been in the 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 theappotential victims she opportunity to learn In addition to the the custom leath93 (US 93) intersection in Victor. Updates about the open house • If you plan to turn right, picious when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down on heating bill and “They need to be replaced. They’re getting banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy boarded, or aided what was a resident at a local cants must meet tolonger be eligible nel they had was no about and participate in Following the closure a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio featuring According to the MDT will be provided once it hasis been proachrecovered theDominic right lane. Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition tocan Rose Photo courtesy considering address, but(left. will be ready to taxpayers with the billwebsite, forofthe cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up.facility Bucking stock beAllen hard on metal.” removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended and the process of developworking but they had set upbeen Main Street business, Rivthe work of more than a dozen local• Ifapproximately aStevensville two-lane roundabout has scheduled. youDominic plan to Farrenkopf. travel straight nursing The the anycustomgrab the package fromactually a porch Steinhoff then asked if there was 10th annual cowboy ball – which Another of these requiretreatment in the boarding to had be to be provided with a ride isage notand aConstruction question andisanswer” ering, from Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, athe new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page 21 athing new Facebook page. Howselected ascity design alternative anticipated or turn left, approach the left lane. er’scould $60,000 in front door when it arrives. the was doing, or ments is the thatjourney. each applicant started 11the years agoorbut couldn’t be held last year to the bank as well as to colon cancer like,” recalls week’s meeting will covsession. “It’s public comment. ” did the work at no charge to opened at same location. Howevartists have not shown their work in by John Dowd to enhance safety features and the particular to begin in spring or summer of • Then, look left and yield to 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 the Bitterroot Valleyfactors before, so there improve traffic flow at this loca2025, weather and other drivers inside thetoroundabout. details of the which was victim to send it, ‘no signature The mayor had said previousthe town. “I just wanted 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 is remain a place should be aanswering lot of interest inand theMark new West Hills Assisted Living, an elderly in tion. Construction anticipated tolyofthat permitting. about im-publicly Never change lanes inside transaction. being required,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Deuter Oswald hold theonce check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associhe wouldUpdates beSavannah thank Joan fraudufor helpThe Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joanhome she says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall “This ishas the firstsome year we’ve ever done aMell, fully diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations material. There are 16 artists in total Hamilton, had big changes over the last begin in 2025. pacts to traffic will be provided as the roundabout. lently deThe Bank Secrecy Act ation. Photo courtesy Fred Upchurch. See RCFW, page 3questions from the public. ing me and helpingtaking the town, ” center, abound when seniors are inmonths. while town Greg Overstreet objectives desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. Covidflags while behind brown-paper the owners are always 4. Turn several According torequires Alina Goman, who ly, it covwas notso far, and manded ofattorney 1970 banks to Thehidden siteand states, “Multiple crashconstruction approaches. MDT yourfrom blinker on as youfor filling being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service will provide the had Covid-19. with Mell are, l toher Overstreet, ered windows, Studio opened welcoming more. “We like all kinds forand patience as Jake’s she have worked “I was obviously seriously Staub’swill firstprovide citizen enough. keep track ofr, withdrawals of started the home in 2016 with husband Gabries near misses occurred educational material exit thesenior roundabout. is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should beofprepared forsaid some its doors March 1.said an improved mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having $10,000 or more in order el, it was time to retire, and it was also a good time in this area, requiring on two-lane roundabouts before Formembers details onofgeneralsudden roundvery weakened,” through the issues. Mayorthey’re Steve Gibson, council coming into the members Cindy Brown and The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new design. business will feature partner, Suzette Smith. encountered the commuSee pagevisit 2 bank to end a project that has been several years in the “interesting comments” from intersection has construction starts, to ensure that about please our to withdraw Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about his recent brush with death dueSTEVI, tosafety, Overstreet. “It hit MDT Jim Crews, former mayor $15,000, it Stacie Barker. Photo by Victoria at prepared 901ofS.the 1startists Street in Hamilton. See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page 5 by Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork byPhoto Karen Some such cirStaub is making. selected the two-lane roundabout for thisdisplayed traffic Visionnity. ZeroSee information. Covid. bydrivers Victoriaare Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 safetyHer configuration. by Nathan Boddy.in the For more information Lottermoser, one of the owners. werePhoto previous participants Gabriel’s parents operated their own assisted livdesign to enhance roadway or if you the Ravalli County Commissioners apwork is grounded the93 Sheridan-style former gallery, but the business plan by John Dowd barns, famous artists a questions, On March 9th, the week This the Stevensville ingofLast home in Seattle for school over 25year, years and Alina was features. The entireinUS corridor Some ofcowboys, this “educational ma- with have please call themembers proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contests also in the career for almost 25 years. According to is a top priority for MDT.” terial” regarding roundabouts and project hotline at 406-207-4484 by John Dowd of the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue working with the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force and Western floral Inthat addition Smith took over space. A Hamilton business, hails theirthe theme pre-statehood, or preparticipation the last of her, fourteen requiring qualification to advance they started West Hills with “extensive In 2024, thepatterns. project team will safe use isislisted on the MDT during hours orin email tice the change atthe all, and itWhile may lead business separated at Victor Crossing. After the ing and marketing one. “Weexperididn’t Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a video designed to her leatherwork, Karen is also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working to en1889, and the contest is still looking agricultural and leadership competito the state level and secured invitaence with residential type assisted living.” select a design build team, and website. This includes the followkatie@bigskypublicrelations.com. by Since Michael Howell 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 that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber to provide courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twelve When then work to finalize right-of-way ing about using a roundabout: More updates to come about 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.two See ART, page ainvariety of pieces furniture to A new the valley. To the dofrom this, they have high students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. the agreements and two-lane 1.be Asrecord youschool approach aTina two-lane this project. SEIS for4 of decision forest products and toof unmitigated impacts changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft 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 created a county-wide contest, showgrades. 95th State FFA Convention in Billings 2023-24 district championships by Victoria Howell the facility took in justin under Theonsign for Jake’s Stenot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off theon franchise Eveninthough the franchise has splityear, affect buyers and Butterfly. sellers the valley, thewhen Gold Concerncounty was issued December 17,Studio, old growthwith status all toart, put on January 18,participant’s for filing objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which wouldretain in effect the highway, whichowned/maintained is aastate addressed the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and include: commissioners all work isHowell done by her twoenvelopes casing the loveown of and Florence schools inthe April. for last Stevensville and spent every penny. venville’s main drag, beckons visitors es might affect them. Fortunately, rights that pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Exit Realty is still the Lendman said that it will not change a roads heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most a to Draft treatment to students allmathe doors and then Dominic Farrenshutbeen off access Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment to on it. sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off The involved creation of tions tousing the Draft Supplemenhands, no lasers orof CNC andJasmin the Bitterroot’s love the state. have the active, though allunits. According Over 200 in StevensAgronomy led byand 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 John Dowd. put valentine cards kopf, director The activities Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre parkare onwelcome the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging mostly, 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 volunteer organization. But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1 Horse See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed ware design company, now based in participate. Some of the schools even learn about a wide range of agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Des(Draft SEIS) for the Gold A Time Draft Horse it costs about $200 perfishing month toaim feed 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 and is a developed access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The was Hamilton. after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. to Willow Creek Road. Due“gentle to Management Wildlife Redefining old-growth stantreatment areas are within an Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice these 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 Hacksource Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the area designated for insect and resource and financial limitaveterinary 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 orgaengaging of ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team the Last year the sufficient old-growth habitat disease treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck forof$7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river and access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. “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 Josette Hackett and Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and 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 Motnot be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline dense pockets of dead and dythese horses. When they’re fi nally ready from representatives of JCCS, an Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial non-comthey have beenand showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. 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, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be driven or there, the support viable populations having to dowith with theparticipation ing trees. They claim the area said been through their artacontest. The even more, full their knowledge to necessary thelooked testsaid asmaintenance FFA 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 valendiminishing recreational opportuniMichael Howell in the Bitterroot Ecosystem (BE), of the Code of Federal Regulations Bitterroot 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 ridden, and some just become “pasture located in Hamilton. Part of the idea came from a similar art contest from all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally sancmembers Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine during the project, nor the logging of old growth, potenwithin a 55,000was acre area ofto the center opened itsconsideration, doors in 2020 after tines to fill the enveto Farrenkopf tooffered see ties,” wrote the commissioners, adding currently under will (CFR), removing theleadership regulations of the bridge, Town this piece of land. “It’s where two was donated onand the condition that looking long term, if youDUI, haveKuntz, propSee VALENTINES, page 10 pets.” selection for awarding that gift See page 10 they held in Houston, Texas right afThese also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career developett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret by John Down first to be created in the lasttofor “Itheads really opened the in 2020. Thataddifirst was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark beetle, rehabilitation of thelevy road after“reintroduction species. ” side Theversus letter notes that tial to converge, wildlife and Tucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens putrestoration their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounthat natural Both the Ravalli County Board of aimpacts analyze alternatives from the CFR with or without in 2017 by Ravalli for use as roads the bank is incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty onAt the west ofestablished the river,and then was online voting and according 1 Horse A Time was ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, 50 years.Creek To doRoad. this, they will door to some permanent and asked for $9.5 the One ofSEIS the problems, acthe to project is complete. Ravalli Draft limits the scope Willow dwarf mistletoe and just toeast theof north of Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed recovery may cause rural communities Commissioners (BCC) and some by potential effects on the interesting tional natural potential river access site. blyexamining steep… I think there are liability for western recreational within five you have access to potentially consoltains Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to conwas astonished, last year, to have that Tomanagement contend purposes at the aid state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from to JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third need to ask the community conversations with people,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we asPark is the Summit Career Center, a or not needed in the community. They to suffer disproportionate negative servationists have made state-Bitterroot human environment, addressing man- recolonization, or designating a new of itsphone environmental consespruce budworm damage. County objects to in shifting National Forest During the tenure of public 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 much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” commented to pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time Germany where she grew up around nonprofit organization that ato came up and with the concept of Although a of career impacts and economic fromso ments recently opposing anyoffers plans agement approaches for bear-human experimental population for the zone mayor Jim Crews, the owner ofand land channel the deepest part the in general Vickie Motley, parkat board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think It’s something financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials that the the Bitterroot March 9th, 2024, the phone). This isValley lastahardship minute info to give back toAugust the community, never know what to expect,” the top half, orisbecause above the district Hackett withdrawn in ofexperimental 2020side Bitterroot Community has triedhave to“We dostated twice before their recent “Askunder and Listen” the trustees were Bitterroot Community horses. She’s always been horse fan, was one ofValley the top four vote free career training program targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly incursions by grizzly bears into human actively reintroduce an conflicts, assessing considerations section 10(j) of the Endangered at the river on the northeast had channel. If you to develop ber, said that nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. to2 The Ravalli County andbut believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed from 10 a.m. tounsure p.m.Western at exactly the north if you don’t have batteries toabout recycle thought their once successful art without said Hafer, organization saying that art entries level to advance. FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee and success. campaign, which helped the of how the College was.” However, there after Friends of the Bitterroot she is especially passionate getters. ed towards highly motivated people successful Denver, Species Act of 1973,problem asconsists amended. occupied areas, harming residents Grizzly Bear population into the for bear connectivity attempted to shut off river access on for grizzly fishing, I would alsoin see abetween problem because the access 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 come in all forms. District in Montana of twelve Harris 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 pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it is contrary to current law forest resilience to natural check followed inRavalli the wake draft horses. She and her husband, a ages 18 and older in Wild both and called “Crosspurpose.” It offers similar andThat Alliance for the “Ravalli County is deeply conwho are dependent on personal food Bitterroot Ecosystem. The statements recovery zones, and incorporating grounds. Theofprice is the the impression same, $1 per the next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about theinorganizaMay 7, via arelevant 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. ”production, disturbances like fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to Stevens. military retiree, and their two children of a $25,000 gift November cerned with many management livestock operations and were made inofsuit response toart athe request other information regarding Rockies filed claiming gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th.Additional ing director ATR, and contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA state qualifying events tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community free training, Summit The six-month offered Forest officials also received species are listed in reduce concern over impacts to ramifications fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and activities.” bought a 20actions, and constraints other rural daily living for comments from theoffers USand Fishdisease; impacts. Assedipart ofprogram this process, the 406-549-4171 agency failed to the best tained drinks or food may be recycled Cardboard also be leadpublic coordinator, Tamar Hafer, ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. chapter. Schools of all classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask the public foruse help with a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to that Butler, mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into three imposed with grizzly bear restoration The commissioners claim and Wildlife Service, as the agency is agency has identified several actions acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment in the Willow forthis a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales placebelieve team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high rare opportunity to incredible. create aproducing and awanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said and that voted inofpreviously many it tobybe whoever walks through their doors. Stevens that thegiving isJasmin their detrimental influence on negative adverse impacts from currently in the process ofShinn, to consider, including afirst no-action alRDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according to clear whether there aregrizzly other roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stay on, but please remove lids. by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individual community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t comThis program is the brainchild of called “personal development,” which maintaining forest health, treating bear reintroduction include: public court ordered Environmental Impact ternative. Other alternatives that may taking care of draft horses is Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, “All of cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Stevensville, with team members Kamryn Jones, Office of the Regional bulloftrout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the levy to testing first time they iswent to the the district was able toAdminlevy program run bygrizzly the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and the ply with the(EIS) definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenwildfire conditions, improving habitat, health and safety from bear atStatement concerning Grizzly be considered include implementing an expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See and GOLD, pageis 65 vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance and to byESTIMATES public, did after being for community funds. After ty of of access Montana. The reality •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator of the conEnvironmental habitat including In a they letter to so the Forest first horse thatmeadows, was rescued 1experimenHorse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch and foundergive tify what each individual’s specific livestock depredation or other tacks, loss opportunities Bear recovery the area. the existing nonessential growth found Bitterroot per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to only them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Florence, Victor, would be fourth of and Execaddress the concerns ofregulations the approved for theflicts, creation of Valley; significantly voted down the center, andthe co-founder limiting recreational access and The Grizzly Bear restoration EIS tal population in title 50 See FFA, page page 21 ART, page 4 4college See BEARS, page14 5 SeeSee SUMMIT, page 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
Roundabout proposed West Hills for Bell crossing, US 93 completes
New studio opens its doors inunorthodox Stevensville DUI Task art project 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 Commissioners, conservationists Summit Career Center offers oppose relocation of grizzly bears Glass recycling more than career guidance BVCC gives it one more college try
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