Issuu

We sell

licenses

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID STEVENSVILLE MT PERMIT 89

OUTLET STORE

For all your ammunition & Hunting needs

• • 777-2822 • • 4039 HWY 93 N STEVENSVILLE

www.ammoandmorestore.com

Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent

’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B e h ‘T 37 Volume XXXVIII, XXXVII, Number 30 Volume XXXVII, Number 28 Volume Number 34 29 XXXVII, Number

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 26, Wednesday, March 8,2022 2023 Wednesday, February 2,9,

www.bitterrootstar.com

Eagles in winterHumane Groundbreaking held Association for medical Bitter Root Three Mile Community Centercenter open

Stevensville schools adjust, post COVID-19

celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary speech, occupa-

by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell

shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t any tional andhave physical According The park additional impact on people’s therapy services by John Dowd by John Dowd many schools across the country may trying to property get their taxes. students back on – It’s been a long time to Colleen board made track. To do this, the school isa loan, implehave to cut back, just as Stevensville including therapy coming, but the new Three Schmiedeke, the decision In addition to the the Bitterroot Health With challenges facing the Stevensmenting what they are calling their Like a lot of schools, post may have to. As Thenis explained, Mile Community Center is up who serves on to take out a project was paid for by the pool – plus imaging held a groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’s ville Schools from the lack of atten“Attendance Matters” campaign.Senior and running. Located at both theStevensville park loan to finish Three Mile Community Covid-19, Stevensville is 4433 struggling Schools are currentand lab services. ceremony, said concerning the ing last Wednesday dance, the staff at the high school have The first step of this campaign Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the around $380,000 for the the project. Center (the official name) with reductions in celebration their budget. ly down Bishop said “It organization’s 50 years of service, An open house was for new to medical some ideas on how to change things. according to raised Larson, “to $80,000 ensure theits center is on the east side community She saidis, they which over According Stevensville Schools Suelementary school and $330,000 for they hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root was started by a bunch of little old According to Angie Armour, Stevensthat our school is community that engaging and complex that will beThenis, of Lone Rock Park. The buildcenter board, worked with through picnics, perintendent Dave the main the high school, with the majority of ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by a Humane Association’s (BRHA) new ville High School Assistant Principal, positive environment.” In other words, the facility open ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights built just north of struggle for many schools comes from this lack of subsidization due to the 72% of students were chronically ab“ensuring that relationship dynamic.” animal shelter located on Fairgrounds bunch of little old ladies.” room, a warming kitchen, a working on Bank to keep and donations fromof commuby spring 2023, Stevensville at the phasing outthe of pandemic disappearing ESSER funds. “Unfortu- sent last school year. This means that Throughout the year the school is also Kathienity Butts, President of the Road in Hamilton. The eventfunds. served state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan members. Other major and that they plan corner of Kootenai During theview federal govnately, district budgets are primarily they had missed more than 10% of the Board, hostingsaid, activities food drives and double the purpose. It included a ribbon “Thislike organization has system, andoutbreak, a gorgeous and incorpopayments contributors were the Three on continuing to Creek and extra ernment issued financial assisschool days of year. So far this year, groupsuch events to create a collective of the Road Bitterroot Mountains tothe rated 2014. people,” added the superintenreasonable. Mile Fire District, the Lone cutting ceremony in honor of new inabout come a long way since it was expand 58% of the students have been chrontance to including schools nationwide through team feeling, Larson. Hwy 93. the west. She saiddent. the According to Thenis, the most Those payRocksaid Park andago. theservices. Rapp started about 50 years I feel aFamfacility, tours of the whole “We’re bringing the ically absent. “I think during Covid The other aspect is what Armour the Elementary and Secondary School effective way for Stevensville to cut The building is now home total cost is ments come ily Foundation. John Bishop, building, and anBitarray of food and huge sense of responsibility to honor we were in unprecedented times, so calls a three-pronged effort. This will care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER). its budget is through a reduction in terroot those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honorCEO, of the organization’s we tried to be understanding,” said see engagement withvolunteers the students, Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are were many who staffing. These came through several different said.be make it as good as he it can as we 50ththat birthday. said Marcus Armour. However, “expectations are staff and community of parents, toset that serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and Thenis hopes that much of the bills, and grants. The funding was Lois HedgeThe privatehad non-profit organization the course for the next 50 years.” Daly Hospital now having to be retaught.” importance attendance. The surrounding park conSchmiedeke assessed,impress the TMCSC receivedofreduced staffing reductions will be resolved intended to help schools continue to peth, chair the McCormack said that the was fisoccer rst organized in 1972. In 1984, According to high school Principal One activity shefrom believes wentof over tains and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices contractors. The throughThree retirement and resignations. meet the needs of students through Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the hospital board, Eric Larson, “it got to be a little bit of a well was the Attendance Matters Vid-lafields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated Past that, to Schmiedeke, make those decisions, remote learning and other technololeen Joyce Pando andnorm,” Wendytherefore, Audiss in “reengagement front of the fundraising campaign fund the new granddaughter of Marcus Daly, gave has didn’t eo Competition. During this, students saidto this project courts, a walking path, a playgroup had they Thenis said it will comecenter down to gies. CENTER, new community at Lone Rock Park. PhotoDuring by V. Howell. construction but then the Covid-19 the BRHA on Fairgrounds Road been tough.” the pandemic, “it to run were encouraged toSee team up and make3 ground andland a covered picnic raised Bitterroot about have has been four page years Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bit“weighing if you can encumber that The funding was set to expire wasn’t a big deal to come in late, miss videos to explain of with a 99-year lease. Six years later, pandemic hit andthe construction in importance the works, costs but ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack cut the ribbon in of 2022, and now that days, etc.” saidprepares Larson. to However, with skyrocketed. As a result, the group in September 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded were some John Bishop, pictured from left, leads aStevensville gathering people involved in theSeethere celebrating the opening of the new animal5fifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michaelof Howell. See BUDGET, page ABSENT, athe new school year is on the horizon, the pandemic over, is now had to take out a mortgage to fipage nish 5 land to the organization where delays due to the Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on the property that had housed the Sue McCormack, who serves on the current shelter is located. The See SHELTER, page pandemic. She said2 theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building shelter since 1984. their vision that just north of the Stevensville Junction. by Nathan Boddy cumstances, having She adds thatisthe the Stevensville encountered people most important Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim to mail way to combat facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is for people of a “medical center” rather than just a accessible, personalized by John Dowd the full detail and can spot a fake easily. 901 S. 1st Street, was recently As a certified shipto ask clinic. She also said thatquestions Marcus Daly The new 12-acre campus will health fordepot 90 years. Bachman himself has made pieces presented with a Certificate of care” ping for FedEx, and start conMurphy. Shethe led the Hospital, which is a critical access In recent the years, theyShoppe provide primary, care, urgent care and for numerous Hollywood Appreciation Boxxe versation with those Of all the legendary horses, “guns by Mayor Domifilms including commissioners through hospital, was recently rated #4byin the specialty services. Two physicians have nic Farrenkopf and Hamilton is legally justified to you know and love. have been taking steps to that won the West” and infamous outDances with Wolves, Tombstone and a lengthy fund fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of Policebut Chief Stephen Snavely. open package which doesn’t nation forauthenticity quality by Staub the national rataccounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse more. laws, perhaps the most innocuous That is his passion. invest in all theacommubricks.” In his presentation to the City bears its shipping know the details it up, shows the county, ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. integral part of the great folklore that “Nobody else does it. Other makers try practitioner, and two more doctors Numerous Bald Eagles have been congregating in the Burnt area lately to feed onOverstreet carcasses. was Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it comes Council on March 15th, Chief label. After following of what potential overall, doing very well made the Wild West what it was may be to tell people this is how it was, and it by Michael Victoria Howell being recruited. also be hethe said, with clinicsand in doingaresent to Covid, Greg Howell. home from There willby Snavely said that he wants protocol, victims are told, but on its tax collections and the humble holster. These leather garisn’t. I like showing people that this The Bitterroot Overstreet has a NaHamilton Police Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that over they showing revenues tional Forest (BNF) ments were bywill everyone,tobecause is what theatreal was like,”coached said The Cowboy Ball theWest Ravalli County message forworn you: “become more vocal about a witness, Staub was an oxygen tank. are, “often 50% of projections in host a public meeting during this fundamental period in the Bachman. “I love looking at old photos, Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. This is don’t fool around! the good things that happen able to uncover the He was home for to departments say they are shipmost while thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March nation’s history, “everybody had a gun.” thinking about the guys wearing all the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents two or three days. ping legal or by Michael Howell expenses havepapers only that 30th from to 6 to 8 p.m. According Rick Bachman, owner of stuff. It gives you a sense of where we’ve ing his department’s experiof the package: nearly paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy a jubilee an attorney in During that time, amounted to 23% of to share information with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, common tactics forare former council member, the public at the next Halfwaycome through celebration. Old West Reproductions and ence whoand has from and why we are where projections due in we large private practice in hismeeting oxygen level by Victoria regarding theHowell developsuch opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part to job vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of this year’s been making and studying authentic today.” Bachman believes this tireless appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest early March, a customwas unwittingly send-from a normal of claiming county’s performance have yetto to be filled. event. Freeman also thethat chair of the Rodeo period holsters for over 45 years,In saddle pursuitisof period authenticity isrepwhat diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing to a scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, makers were the primary crafters of keeps his customers happy. colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). virtual counciltoand mayor how local Chicago, tional council meeting of theThe two-member intending send a package Illinois.members. Social Security according tobeen Ravalli the budgeted funds for which he’s forNa12 years. A real estate holsters. “It righton into what they Foron Bachman, the journey started February of fell 2021. that 51 is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo by meeting will be held government should run. He “We’ll do our job, ” Christine said via FedEx. Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, on agent for 18 years the 20s. Bitterroot, were doing and everybody had a was gun,” when he here was in his He hadand an also He went through damage material.” Zoom. See below for than Boddy. The customer Sometimes they a frequent commenter Gibson January 27, town in the Army for 21period years, his organizational and instructions and aclerk link Jenelle seemed consaid Bachman. original holster he wanted to 10 chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seewill COUNTY, tell theirpage at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney familiar with the profile of the Berthoud the council and to late join thetold meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, have been put Bachman explained that the West wear but did not want to damage it. Toto in August he was was no joke. “It fused Over the victims that a loved one has theand lastunadministration. In from Hamilton, was recpotential victims, butuse wishes similar meetings audience that she was having good as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee. told that cancer got so bad I felt could bepublic athe lawless place and so every remedy that, he figured he could make familiar with course of her landed in jail, or that a prize that others withinFreeman the commucomment, Crews told ognized for stepping in (virtual) were heldthe in meetsaid the committee hopes trouble streaming the process, decade with has been won, but a to feeraise needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t person who could afford it had a public holster his own, and so tried to replicate the nity would help her look out 2021. the council that those makto handle the the prosecution this year, for expansion of the rodeo and Staub Boxxe to bethe paid for lame release of the had just breathe, likefor I their safety.$50,000 made, ifthe they didn’t keep their gun piece. “It was a pretty attempt, but ingsOverstreet on internet. She said At least one In addition to the became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on October was being water in their belt. And all those holsters it worked. And people seemed to like the former YouTube of the potential victims she opportunity to learn chanpicious when haswhile now commonly use aAfter legitimate “They at need toexplained be replaced. They’re getting banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet he wasor aided 23, 2021 for ostomy boarded, what was a resident meant job security the saddle-makBachman. showing a it,” local nel they had was nofor longer about and participate in considering recovered address, but will be ready to up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” removal, the fi nal I imagine water ers. Many gun belts of the time also it off, other people asked him if he could audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process developworking butof they had set up the customapproximately grab the package from a porch The 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually treatment in the boarding to be had to be provided with a ride tried to carry plenty of extra ammunimake them one as well. As he looked notand a question and answer” ering, from Covid-19. a climbing aing new Facebookplan, page.this How- er’sisage $60,000Mell in orbut front door when it arrives. started 11the years ago couldn’t be held year to the bank as well as to colon journey. like,” recalls tion incancer loops, which could up the thesession. price “It’s public comment.” did the work at at more holsters, decided tolast try week’s meeting will covno charge particular cash, all of to “Theyhe always direct thenew ever, members of the public Boxxe Shoppe. due to thepatterns pandemic – has been upgraded this The afterAdditionally, that Overstreet. “This er the following agenda for a day holster. according to and techniques, all the while the had said previouswhich was to victim to send it, ‘no signature The of mayor the town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access the details “It’s common sense toattempting me,” year. topics: surgery, was isfrauduwhen I realized Bachman,“If you lost your horse, you to get asshe close to theMell, origitransaction. being required,’” adds. ly that he would be answering publicly thank Joan for helpThesays, Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joan she pointing out that red Facebook said it wascartridges not Unfortunate• Review overall “This isnals the first year we’ve ever done a fully diagnosed with that I was not needed to page carry as many as as possible. lently deThe Bank Secrecy Act questions from the public. ing me and helpingtaking the town, ” center, abound when seniors are for filling in while town Greg objectives and accessible. Berthoud asked Bachman catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. Covidflags ly, it was not manded from ofattorney 1970 banks you could fit indesired your belt.” Over time he requires collected more to origbeing scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public Montana Catering Service will provide theof had Covid-19.ofPictured with Mell are, l to Overstreet, for“I patience as she worked was obviously seniorseriously citizen enough. keep track ofr, withdrawals explained that he has “alwaysStaub’s been a first inals, read books, looked at museum is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should be prepared for some Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” said of the real through the Mayorthey’re Steve dinner. Gibson, council Cindy Brown and collector andissues. student Old originals and leafed through articles coming into the members The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update encountered See page 2 sudden comments” Greghe Overstreet his recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. “It hit Jim Since Crews, mayor West.” heformer was young has“interesting al- talks about and catalogues of the time, constantbank to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901 S. 1st Street in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. such cirStaub is Covid.how Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 ways had a fascination things ly searching to better his craft. “My makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page with 2 Photo by Nathan Boddy. used to be done and the real way things product is very leather specific,” said apLast week the Ravalli County Commissioners looked. He loves to see television and Rick Bachman tools designs and art onto a peice of leather that will eventually proved adoption of a memorandum of understandSee WEST, movies that are truly period accurate in become a holster. Photo by John Dowd. ing with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force page and 14 Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a video designed by Michael Howell to help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavthat “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations manage timber to provide Plan. ior. impacts to concerning the Draft SEIS for forest products and jobs; and to unmitigated A new record of decision The deadlineHowell closed on if it would be possible Victoria The DUI Task approved of year, theForce facility tookButterfly. inthe justcreation under bybyVictoria Howell thewhen Gold Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all on January 18, forHowell filing objec- to put envelopes by Victoria his property which would in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed private land was Mischief$240,000 Room lastand May and the commissioners spent every penny. roads heavy theowner scopeand ofthe the analysis treatment to 2021 accompanied by a to Draft all the doors and Dominic Farrenshutthen off access Stevensville Riverunits. According highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment to on it. sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off creation tions to theShinn, Draft SupplemenJasmin founder and There The are no paid involved employees; it’s an all-of kopf, activities director put valentine cards in The Stevensville Town Coun- SEIS thatPark, a 20-acre park on the east bank have release two accesses forlogging trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-pritheitems letter quotes the Bittera Forest Service press and mostly, provides a site-speset of easily accessible that hadThe secret hiding tal Environmental Statement volunteer organization. ButtoShinn said executive director of 1 Horse atMichael Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil was split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece ofthe boats, and you’ve just come out to, of the vate piece now belongs thesome state compartments where someone could stash root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed by Howell erals. Globally, China controls most of the market minerals required to meet technology, manufactur(Draft SEIS) for the Gold A Time Horse it costs about $200 perfishing month toaim feed Homes inDraft Hamilton, isRescue liked the idea.property. He askedCrews aAtsmall piece of park land near the the county Stevi Wyean at 45 miles per hour -and there developed access drugs ordefense hide aand small ofthe whiskey. The was for contacted processing and refining for cobalt, lithium, ing, needs, with overall objective of to rare Willow Creek Road. Due tois aflask Management Wildlife Re-site. treatment areas are within defining old-growth stanButterfly Project, a Bitterroot these “gentle giants.” Then there are facility in Corvallis, got a nice asking the bridge, community students at schools Stevensville an item 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 Just as the Biden administration andSome Congress earths and other critical minerals. addressing the necessity to obtain rare earth materisource Objective to “Maintain area designated for insect and resource and financial limitadards. objections to the boost lastForest week when she was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and to send his athat and daycaresland to make National project considered atresidents the March 24th council on the west,In securing potential MayorSupply Steve Gibson saidals hefrom didn’t west] still a viable piece of the land for the various ways in which any young person canInflahide are making major investments to new expand the domesExecutive Order, “America’s “friendly” sources as defined by Last year the envelopes.anthe sufficient old-growth habitat tions, Ravalli County would decision were received disease treatment because of little love this Valenspecial envelopes and presented with a check for $7500 other associated costs to rehabilitate meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending outcome of see what use the land is to the town. “I city to have, whether or not you put their substance use from casual inspections. includes 13,000 acreschain in the hopes of Chains,” signed is last year, Biden ordered afull review tion Reduction Act (IRA). tic criticalnearly minerals supply lopes were so they The project 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 and non-comof vulnerabilities in our critical and ma“We have confirmed that Sheep Creek is the breaking our country’s dependence on China, one had mineral to be emptied more really popular, and About four years resident. people piece, which to the Then Council Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he looked upwhat the for ley. “There are many cars out said sheadoption, tells parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rmlocated with aadjacent branch most can bethe driven or there, support viable populations ing trees. They claim the area the maintenance mostly having to with thesupply terial chains within 100 days. In June, thenecessary highest-grade rare-earth deposit in United company believes the Bitterroot valley might be thedo member mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year. ago, a in resident came could drop offsaid valenBitterroot River on the northwest side 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 Hamilton. Part of the of old-growth dependent during the project, nor the logging of old growth, potenis impacted by mountain pine Biden-Harris Administration released a first-ofStates, with a multibillion-dollar resource value,” best place to start. within a 55,000 acre area ofto the to Farrenkopf to see tines to fill the enveof the bridge, was offered Town this piece of land. “It’s where two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 selection awarding that gift pets.” See DUI, page 10 its-kind supply chain assessment found rehabilitation our stated Jim Hedrick, Critical Materials President, Criticalfor provide the building blocks for of the road afteronUS species. ” side The letter to converge, wildlife and Douglas-fir barkthat beetle, forest inby theminerals Sapphire Mounin 2017 Ravalli County for usetial as aimpacts roads thetobankbeetle, is incrediit would be maintained and utilized erty the west ofestablished thenotes river,that then was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was over-reliance on foreign sources and adversarial and former rare-earth Commodity Specialist atscope the many modern technologies and are essential to our DrafttoSEIS limits the dwarf mistletoe and the project is complete. Ravalli Willow Creek Road.I think there are potential river access site. bly steep… liability for western recreational purposes within five you havethe access potentially consoltains east of Corvallis. nations for critical minerals and materials posed U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). national and economic prosperity. These by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from to JCCS security branch manager, Andrea ofthat its environmental consespruce budwormyears. damage. County objectsThe to shifting Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the idate highway property into the Town The original proposal was minerals—such as rareAt earth elements, lithium, and national and economic security threats. company states thegrew Sheep Creek deSimmerman, 1 Horse A Time Germany where she around mayor Jim Crews, the owner of land channel and thethe deepest partAlthough of the in general Vickie Motley, park board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis thinkup It’s something financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have stated that cobalt—can beAugust found in computers Last week US Critical Materials Corp., a private posit has nearly nine percent (9%) Total Rarefan, Earth withdrawn of products 2020side from horses. She’s always been a horse was one of in the topnortheast four vote at the river on the had channel. Ifto you were to develop thatwith the ber,proposed said that nothing had County been done RDO Equipment Co. the pileated woodpecker and project is designed improve agreement to Ravalli and believe to household appliances. They are also key inputs rare-earth exploration and development compaOxide (TREO) (89,932ppm), far ahead of any other after Friends theoff Bitterroot getters. about attempted to of shut river access on for fishing, I would also see a problem because the access problem had been but she is especially passionate See STEVI, page 16 8571 Running W. Road in clean energy technologies like batteries, electric ny based in Salt Lake City, Utah, announced that domestic rare earth resource. The deposit also has pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it is contrary to current law forest resilience to natural checkfor followed in the wake draft horses. She and her husband, a andThat Alliance the Wild vehicles, windgift turbines, and solardisturbances panels. As the its holdingsCommissioners on Sheep Creekexpressed located in the Bitterofmilitary 2.4% combined neodymand existingreadings agreements. ” (23,810ppm) “We and realize these old growth like fire, insects Missoula, MT 59808 retiree, their two children of a $25,000 in November Rockies filed suit claiming the world transitions to a clean energyand economy, global root Mountains south of Painted Rocks Reservoir ium and praseodymium, which are both essential species are listed in disease; reduce sediconcern over impacts to Forest officials also received from Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to use the best for the green economy. The company stated it has demand for these critical minerals is set to skyrocket contains the highest reported total rare-earth oxide acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained comments from Philip Strobel ment sources in the Willow available science in managing of any deposit in (second the United by 400-600 percent over the next several decades, Presenting a checkgrades for $7500 fromrare JCCSearth to Jasmin Shinn fromStates. left) of 1 recently Horse At confirmed carbonatite mineralization at RDOequipment.com money according to lithium Shinn, Creek about 20 horses. She currently roads, Willow Director ofdepth, the NEPA Branch clear whether thereof are17.05% other watershed; improve Their goal, the states, isAndrea toCreek develop its below high-grade surface samples and, for but, minerals suchcomas and graphite A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l tocompany r: especially Levi Clark, CPA, Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t taking care of draft horses is properties with strategic partners who have the TREO and 16.44% TREO. used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, demand will Office of the Regional Adminbull trout habitat; restore Road. Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. Also pictured is Tiny, the non-profit’s mascot and the ply with the definition of old an expensive Last as See RESCUE, page 65 and to explore, mine, andVALLEY• extract For context, the companySee states, the Swedish increase by even much percent. GOLD, page •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT Yproposition. OURmore—as HOME IMPROVEMENT CO4,000 .COM istrator In a At letter to the Forest habitat firstincluding horse thatmeadows, wascapital rescued byESTIMATES 1expertise Horse A Photo by Victoria Howell. of the Environmental growth found in the Bitterroot The U.S. is increasingly dependent on foreign sourc- its critical minerals in order to supply consumers, See MINE, page 3 industry, and the U.S. Government with the critical es for many of the processed versions of these min-

Public Scammers thwarted, vigilance recognized County budget meeting on track on BNF Cowboy Ball Halfway Climbing through fiscal scheduled year, county Plan

Local keeping spirit of west alive

Surviving COVID

budget looking good

Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds

DUI Task Force, MAPS to partner on special video

Gold Butterfly project draws some objections

Spreading love horse Local draft rescue Stevi to return park land thriving to county Company aims to mine rare-earth metals in the Bitterroot

SOUTHGATE MALL

493-0051