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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume Number 38 35 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 26, 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, Wednesday, April 3,2022
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Association Three MileHumane Community Centercenter open Every Tuesday 10am-11am
celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary
by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse
speech, occupa-
at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville
shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major ty for failing to do the proper Thechanges park additional impact on people’s therapy services – provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmental by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.oftaxes. It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property The Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing its the therapy theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. over 220 people The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to theaoff loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to theOswald subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Senior ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments concern group ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, a presentatation in Darby and contacted him, expressed a resident of the Waterkeepers West Fork. Heand has was attended by(the people from all over Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the thea project. Center official name) trap enthusiasts andgave hunting Bishop said “It organization’s 50 years of service, An open house celebration was for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and inliving school Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sotheyas hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root the was started by environment a bunch offar little old ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also built just of functions as a animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular tripslimited. per dayRamsey, to the local lowering of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and been in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, a the working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit Stevensville at thesupporting Mile and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in Hamilton. The event served Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner ofand Kootenai Woodchuck Road east ofview a ribbon the be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. included system, a gorgeous andapplicant incorpo- is proposing to payments contributors were the Three 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 tothededicate rated Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. to club expand Hwy 93. including developed by Lauratours Watson of whole foot easement impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. She said the for the use and Those payRock Park and theservices. Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, of the “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was benefit of is the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily The building isarray now home total cost ments come ily of Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in an that program building, and of food and huge responsibility to honor represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby required information lies with care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. their terroot CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honorAlong of thewith organization’s ing company Professional $8,000 to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], the Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are it as were many who own the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50thprograms, birthday. said that Marcus Consultants Inc. (PCI). Fire District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has raised over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profit organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conSchmiedeke assessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn 1984, peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. gle-family residential use The received dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Hope Project. ItMontana is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated laclub islocally utilized by local schools, little owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page 14 fundraisingSee campaign to fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts, a walking a playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are aon waning See the CENTER, page 3 new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. the among with a 99-year lease. Six years later, pandemic hit and construction others. in the works, costs but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded current executive OneThe Book Store, in Ham-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 the land totake the organization rector, Tom Allsop, has been where ilton, may exception delays due to the Bitterroot Health project inKristin a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had housed Sueby McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kruse. the current shelter is located. The to this, as they were re- page 5 See TRAP, See SHELTER, page pandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building an old building cently awardedreplaces for being their vision is that by “outstanding John Dowdmodel Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an by Nathando. Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important Council met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim way to combat the Hamilton Hamilton City Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing day, March 5They to discuss there was not much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is forthan people Association. will several of a “medical center” rather just a accessible, upcoming city projects. at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask questions also be celebrating 50 However, clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more presented with Certificate of care” ping depot for FedEx, The new 12-acre campus will and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the Hospital, which isversation a critical access about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe provide primary, care, urgent care and with those One has three byChapter John Dowd commissioners through a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know co-owners, and been steps a lengthy fundand fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of lier,to made ityear, into theMara opening.Police After Chiefthe time. Snavely. However, at the end of the Stephen open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating one of them, Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commubricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his thepresentation meeting,toduring the non-agenda items In the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoit up, shows the county, ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. practitioner, andwas two more doctors Numerous Baldcity Eagles have been in the Burnt area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it comes beloved long-time who is congregating discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affectclerk, conseroverall, doing very well by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but have been so successvation in the Bitterroot through on its tax collections and The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet has a out the hospital During the public period Police comments. Department so 94 in the of annual sheMarch knows that they Participants rush theHamilton Stevensville American Legion Post andpresence Auxiliary’s Easter with Egg Hunt at Lewis and Clark Park on Saturday, 30. The ful. Joined by the other showing revenues over various projects andduring programs. tional Forest (BNF) willRoberttoSteinThe4-6 Cowboy theSilverRavalli County message for you: oxygen tank. of theand council meeting, “We need toorder: keep our eyes onStaub it,” was more vocal about a witness, are, “often coached silver gold egg winners follows in no particular 0-3 SilverSienna, 0-3anGoldMillie, 4-6 Silver- Lileana, Gold-Ball Jett,at7-9 7-9 Goldowners, Katrina Mendrey 50% ofNora, projections in One such program is theirare as“become hoststood afool public meetingthe council. Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. is hoff to address He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t around! He was home for the good things that happen able to uncover the to say they This are shipand Marisa Neyenhuis, most departments while scholarship program, which Bram, 10+ SilverElla, 10+ GoldHunter. Photo courtesy American Legion Post 94. 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 by Kristin Kruse High School in 2020. “I knewthey by my 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 Junior year of high school that I wantat 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, have been put to in late August he was was no joke.familiar “It fused and unOver the victims that a loved one has hurting.” said that he heard plow storage and for other mainteOn Tuesday March 26, 61 officers ed to pursue a career in law enforcecompleted a she semester of collegethe last administration. In from Hamilton, wasgot recbutuse wishes similar public meetings audience that was having as chair oflanded the Cowboy committee. told that the cancer bad I potential felt stage victims, familiar withnance equipment. According to Ra- course of so her in jail, Ball or that a prize about the track record of the company walked across the atwithin thegood Helena ment,” stated Kopsa. She took part and submitted her transcript that others the commupublic comment, Crews told ognized for stepping in by John Dowd work to prevent negative interactions (virtual) were held in Freeman 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 Civic Center to receive their certificate in a Jr. Police Academy the summer providing proof of compLeting nity would help her look out 2021. between people and bears. of the the the council thatsignificant those maktoPart handle prosecution $50,000 this year, to forbethe expansion of the rodeo and Staub Boxxe paid for release of the good. stated that the comsome leaks and insulation of completion ofI the 12-week-long Overstreet had breathe, likefor ings onSteinhoff the internet. She said associated courses. These are their safety. At least onebetween her junior and senior years, In addition to the Last week, the Town of Stevensthis discussion revolved around new by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been in the state issues. Ramer believes the new roof Montana Law Enforcement Academy. which she said sealed the deal for her. bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on YouTube October was being water the former chantwo of several criteria appli-28 for of the potential victims she opportunity to learn ville met on Tuesday, March bear-proof trashon containers available In addition to the heating custom leathpicious when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down the bill and One of the graduates was StevensShe then attended University of Prov“They need to be replaced. They’re getting banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy boarded, or aided what was a resident at a local cants must meet be eligible they had was notolonger about and participate anel town council meeting. During the through Bitterroot Disposal, and part recovered Following the ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards tocan Rose (left. Photo courtesy considering address, but will be ready to taxpayers with theclosure billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment ville’s very own Cassi Kopsa, who isrecognition idence, in Great Falls, and graduated 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 nursing and the process of developmeeting, several topics were covered, discussed a new conflict map being working but they had set up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the anycustomgrab theinpackage from a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there currently working for the Stevensville with a degree Criminal Justice in The 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another of these requiretreatment the boarding to had be to be provided with a ride isage notand acreated question answer” ering, from 21 Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this ranging from bear awareness to acould byand Reyes. er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’s $60,000 in orbut front door it arrives. the city was doing, or Police Department asbank the School Re2023. She was hiredwhen by held Stevensville ments is that each applicant started 11 years ago couldn’t be last year to the as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting covnew clean-up proposed by Next on the agenda thework cov“It’s public comment. ” was did the work no charge to opened at the initiative same Howevartists have not shown their in at the session. particular cash, all ofOfficer. “They always direct the source PD in May of 2023. ever, members ofwill thelocation. public a to 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This ersubmit the following agenda the mayor address an issue he the reerage of several special event permits er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details of the which was victim to send it, ‘no signature The mayor had said previousthe town. “I just wanted to Kopsa was born and raised in Stewho had tried to access the cussing the hunting “It’s common sense to me,” year. topics: surgery, was is when I realized fers to as,he “the elephant in plays room.” for upcoming summer events. The changeover, itrole will remain athe place of should be a lot of interest in the new See POLICE, page 15 transaction. being fraudurequired,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associvensville, graduating from Stevensville ly that he would be answering publicly thank Joan for helpThesays, Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joan aMell, she pointing out that red Facebook page said it was notaUnfortunate• Review overall “This is the first year we’ve ever done fully The meeting opened bear-ation.bulk of these were brought forth diagnosed with I was not art. After two months of with renovations material. There are 16 artists inby total lentlythat deThe Bank Secrecy Act Photo courtesy Fred 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 aware presentation given by repreSean Doyle, the Stevensville catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. Covidflags while hidden behind brown-paper so far, and with the owners are always ly, it covwas not manded from ofattorney 1970 requires banks to being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public sentatives from Bitterroot Disposal, Civic Club. more. “We like all kinds seniorseriously Montanawith Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19.ofPictured Mell are, l towill Overstreet, ered windows, Studio opened welcoming for“I patience as Jake’s she worked was obviously Staub’s first citizen enough. keep track ofr, withdrawals is 80 years old, and all of a conversations FWP andthe Jessica One pointfor brought up by Doyle should beofprepared some its doors March 1.Reyes mediums,” said Lottermoser’s Desserts are provided 4Hin members. time having members of $10,000 or by more order very weakened,” said from Wind through issues. Mayorthey’re Steve dinner. Gibson, council sudden coming into the members Cindy Brown and The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update RIver Bear Dogs. Their presentation was a concern over how much they The new business will feature business partner, Suzette Smith. encountered the commuSee STEVI, page 2 “interesting comments” from Greg Overstreet talks about his recent brush with death due to Overstreet. “It hit Jim Crews, former mayor can bank to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901ofS.the 1st Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page discussed waysleatherwork the community by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom byPhoto Karen such cirStaub is Covid. by VictoriaSome Howell. Seeartists See SCAMMERS, page 2 MAYOR, page 11 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants County Commissioners apwork is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensville proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contests by John Dowd of the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue working withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business,Inthat hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change atthe all,space. and itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a video designed to her leatherwork, Karen is also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working to en1889, and the contest is still looking agricultural and leadership competito the state level and secured invitaby Since Michael Howell January 2, 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 Bitterroot has gone through some big Last year, the previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. See ART, page 6 ior. impacts ainvariety of pieces furniture to A new the valley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. SEIS for record of decision forest products and toof unmitigated changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change will The deadline closed on Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships bybyVictoria Howell year, the2023-24 facility took inthe justcreation under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Stenot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, the Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all by Kristin Kruse and the toart, put onEPA. and January 18,participant’s for filing objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which wouldschools in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed when the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and include: commissioners all work isHowell done her twoenvelopes casing the loveown of Florence inthe April. for last Stevensville and spent every penny. venville’s main beckons visitorsunits. According es might affect them.byFortunately, rights that pertained to Bitterroot in valley, Realty is still the to Lendman said that itand will notanalysis change a Bies spent years asthe an operator roads heavy theowner scope ofthe the 2021 accompanied by22 a drag, Draft treatment to Exit all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McJasmin Shinn, 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. With a career that spans 34 years in Laurel, Montana, before moving to 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 north valley half chise was split the north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot volunteer organization. But said 12 executive director of 1 Horse See EXIT, page as awas licensed water and wastewater Stevensville. Hebetween has been employed at 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 treatment operator, itland isisRescue nonear surprise byproperty. the of Stevensville for 12 Homes in Hamilton, liked the idea. He Town asked aAtsmall piece of park the 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. However, 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 stanareas are within an Butterfly Project, apublic Bitterroot facility inthe Corvallis, gotitem aworks nice these there are that Stevensville’s and is the only Towntreatment operator asking community students schools Stevensville an that was at years, 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 employee Glen Bies was presented with licenses in water treatment and 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 because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received with a lifetime achievement award distribution, and wastewater treat-treatment 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 plant project is now by Montana Rural Water Systems. ment. The Stevensville requires 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 They awarded him thisadjacent at their the highest level ofthe certifications dueThey claim About years resident. people piece, whichfour located 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 do with ing trees. the area said been through their artacontest. The even more, with full participation their knowledge to necessary thelooked testsaid asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. annual conference in Great Falls last to its complex process. His responago, 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 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 55,000 acre area ofto the center opened its doors insafe 2020 after tines to fill the enveto Farrenkopf to see week. Each year, five operators from sibilities include providing and of the bridge, was offered Town this piece of land. “It’s where two was donated onand theleadership condition that looking long term, if youDUI, haveKuntz, prop-10 See VALENTINES, page 10 pets.” selection for awarding that gift See page they held in Houston, Texas right afThese also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career developett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret by John Down first to clean beYahraus created in the lasttofor “Itheads really openedbark the beetle, in 2020. That of first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir rehabilitation thelevy road afteron the species. ” side The letter notes that tial to wildlife and Tucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch and Stevens put their forest in the Sapphire Mounacross the state are selected to be drinking water the in 2017 by Ravalli for as aimpacts roads converge, the bank iscommuincrediitment would be maintained and utilized west ofestablished the river,and then was online voting and according 1 erty Horse At AOne Time was ter the events of September 11,use 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, 50 years. To do this, they will door to some interesting permanent and asked for $9.5 of the problems, acthe project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits the scope Willow Creek Road. dwarf mistletoe and western just to the north of Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed recognized for their years of dedicatnity, with mandatory stringent testpotential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially consoltains east of Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to need was astonished, last year, to have that To contend at the state level, Tasiain Rohbock. Shinn 2018. She’s originally to JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third toing ask the community conversations people,” million, which Butler by said cording to Butler, was, from “we asPark is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or not needed in thea community. They with ed service as licensed operators. The and reporting on daily, weekly of itsphone environmental consespruce budworm damage. County objects to in shifting National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell batteries (outTown of feature the beauty of the state and 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 offers a came up and with the conceptpart of Although a of career conference is also an for and yearly basis. mayor Jim Crews, theopportunity owner ofand land channel the deepest the in general Vickie Motley, parkat board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think something financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have stated that the the Bitterroot isbecause March 9th, 2024, the phone). This isValley lastaIt’s minute info so to give back to the community, “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” the trustees were Bitterroot Community horses. She’s always been horse fan, was one of the top four vote free career program targetcenter, which isBies, modeled after a that highly ber, said that nothing had been done operators totraining acquire their continuing According to his develop industry at the river on the northeast side had channel. you were 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,Iforganization saying thattoart entries level to advance. FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee and 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 in Denver, education credits in the field, which issuccess. facing a national crisis, the longer attempted to shut off river access on for fishing, I would also see a problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, pageto 16 end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists 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 of She Police John Photoacourcheck followed inRavalli the wake draft Chief horses. and her Boe. husband, ages 18 and older both and called “Crosspurpose.” It offers similar Cassi Kopsa shakes hands with Stevensville and Alliance for the Wild is aThat requirement ofinthe Montana Degrounds. Theofprice is the the impression same, $1 per 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 a mail-in ballot. public on19 the topic of Kristin creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the “We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances like fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 See page Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according toBIES, Stevens. tesy Kruse. military retiree, and their two children of a $25,000 gift November partment of Environmental Quality Rockies filed suit claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th.Additional ing director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA state qualifying events tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community free training, Summit offers six-month offered officials also received species are listed in and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks orForest fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to the best tained food be recycled Cardboard be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public foruse help with a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler, mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment in the Willow forthis a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales placebelieve team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously many it tobybe whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stayAndrea 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, Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t comThis program the brainchild of called “personal development,” which taking care ofisdraft is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, ofoftrout cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to with team members Jones, Office of Stevensville, the Regional bull habitat; restore Road. terroot. According tohorses trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they iswent to the the district was levy program run Kamryn by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenan expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, pageis 65 vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance to byESTIMATES public, did after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator of the Environmental habitat including In a they letter to so the Forest first horse thatmeadows, wasand rescued 1 Horse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch and foundergive tify what each individual’s specific growth found the Bitterroot per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of significantly voted down the center, and co-founder and ExecPaidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 14 21 ART, page SeeSee SUMMIT, page4 4college cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and theas oldpublic. a community district twice, wentP.O. back
Easter egg dash in Stevi!
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
Stevi police officer graduates Stevi mayor wants from state police academy
town cleaned up New studio opens its doors in Stevensville
DUI Task Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter special video more participation sweeps North valley Exit Realty has district a new face Gold Butterfly project draws some objections Stevensville Public Works’ Spreading love Bies honored by industry
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
Davis for Senate Dist. #44
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