W Weee W ell SSSell ell
PRST PRST STDSTD PRST STD PRST STD POSTAGE USUS POSTAGE US POSTAGE US POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID PAID STEVENSVILLE MT MT STEVENSVILLE STEVENSVILLE MT STEVENSVILLE MT PERMIT 89 89 PERMIT PERMIT 89 PERMIT 89
icenSeS l llicenSeS icenSeS
Outlet StOre OUTLET STORE
FOrall all yOur ammunitiOn For or all your ammunition mmunition F your a unting n & &H HH unting needS eedS & unting n eedS
• • 777-2822 4034 Hwy 93 N. • • 4039 93 NN N Stevensville, 4034 HWY HWY 93 STEVENSVILLE (406) 777-2822 STEVENSVILLE www.ammoandmorestore.com
www.ammoandmorestore.com www.ammoandmorestore.com
Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume Number 39 45 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 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, Wednesday, April May26, 10, 22,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ Florence baseball takes state Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Centercenter open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville
by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse
www.GregOverstreet.com Endorsed by out Gov. more Greg Gianforte! at www.GregOverstreet.com shelter.Find $140,000.
speech, occupa-
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 by John Dowd 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 Last weekend the Bitter 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, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit the Stevensville at thesupporting Humane Association participatMile 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 of Kootenai ed for the first time in BitteraofnationWoodchuck Road east the be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. included system, and a gorgeous view a ribbon andapplicant incorpo- is proposing to payments contributors were the Three programs such as It The on continuing to al “slumber party” event. The 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 Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. including developed by Laura 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, tours of the event the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was 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 opened the shelter to community 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. Along their terroot CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honor of thewith organization’s members who participated to stay 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 programs, the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus the night with theraised animals, amongFire Consultants Inc. (PCI). 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 over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, noon Saturday and 12 noon The Sun- received gle-family residential use 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 day, participants stayed overnight 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 with the animals, fundraisingSee campaign to fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts, ashelter walking a wore playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are aon waning See the CENTER, page 3 pajamas, played games and more 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 in support of thelease. shelter. with a 99-year 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 Shelters all over the U.S. and skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive diOne Book Store, in Hamthere 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. even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land totake the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been ilton, may exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot 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-is apage See TRAP, See SHELTER, page hour period. The event fund-5 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 replaces an old building cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and partictheir vision is that by “outstanding John Dowdmodel Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an bytoNathando. Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the ipants each work to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important donate to theirCity respective Hamilton Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling victim way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, Individual businesses day, Marchcommunity 5They to discuss several 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 of a “medical center” rather just a also donated to the fundraiser, 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, amounting to over $10,000 as of 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 Saturday. isversation a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and Hospital, which about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe with those Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through There were over 35 participants 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 of the slumber party, and a barbelier,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 commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” 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 welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have been in the Burnt area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well visit the shelter. 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 inofthe Bitterroot through on its tax collections and Many the participants that The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet hasthe a other During the public period Police comments. Hamilton Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that over they ful. Joined by showing revenues various projects and programs. spent the night were kids. During 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 the slumber party, participants host afool public meeting The Florence baseball team with their State Championship trophy. Florence defeated Hamilton 4-2 in an all-Bitterroot Valley championship game on Saturday, Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. is hoff stood to address the council. 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 May shipand Marisa Neyenhuis, most departments while scholarship program, which took part in a “tortilla slapbygame,” this Wednesday, March 18th in Missoula. Photo Stephanie K Geiser Photography. explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers or Overstreet, two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having havepage only 10 Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. expenses awards three winners who can See Sports, 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page hosted byan the County Fish anddepartment’s and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” HernearlyDuring that time, ing11 his experiof the paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in amounted of three people allows them display interest in pursuing to share Association informationand Troutence Wildlife thoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, commondue tactics for and former council member, public at the next Halfway through celebration. projections in large to do it related all. “Wetocouldn’t private practice inconservation, Unlimhismeeting oxygen level fields by Victoria regarding theHowell developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion agenda send-from a normal of In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management the second regular of aAt proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. meeting of theSteinhoff, two-member According to was the issue re-roofing the city intending send atime package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. Now by John Dowd of that as the executive director. of the winners to receive a Mara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books 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 run. He that “We’ll dobeour job, ” Christine said it wasn’t going affect me,on but street shop. According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. After Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the it was announced he would check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and also He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only takeThe than Boddy. learned that it would City Public Works Director, Donny customer they was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because hetoowns the Paper Forconvicted,” him, theSometimes experience has been On Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who graduated high school in just January 27, town clerk Jenelle by Victoria Howell was filed with the Stevensville Police But the other side, have the audacinot 21 been but the mayor in the Army valley. for years, his and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seeorganizational COUNTY, page 10 seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar withdepartment the profile of the Berthoud told the council and Department by Kim Dailey. Dailey ty was to go down to the police responded, “Yes, you can.” to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Fivethat fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in he was no joke. “It fused and unOver the victims that a loved has hurting.” said he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him that he get theft. involved people all overthat the valley,” and all of of it hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the currentfrom executive completed a she semester ofbeen college the last administration. In Hamilton, was recpotential victims, but wishes Two complaints have filed is a Republican candidate for to House and have her with It’s However, was the end similar meetings audience that was having good use as chair oflanded the Cowboy Ball committee. told that the cancer got so Icharged felt familiar with of herbad in jail, ornot that a prize about the track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According Ra- course to network. He then got onto the board has been “extremely rewarding.” for members, giving their report, director. Al gave a history of the chamand submitted her transcript that others within the commuwith the Montana Commissioner of District just appalling to me, just appalling. the story. public Crews told roof, ognized for in (virtual) were held in meetFreeman said the committee trouble streaming the the process, decade with has been won,hopes but a to feeraise needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was notwhat very comment, mer,and it is88. the original which hasstepping in the early 90s, and in 2012 he her became was the executive director until reviewing 2023 andof talking about ber, spoke about important memproviding proof compLeting nity would help look out Al Political Practices, Chris Gallus, folMayor Bob Michalson brought When they could have walked 15 feet Subsequently, two COPP com2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rodeo and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsomeduring significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said the executive director. 2020. Since then he has been the they have planned for the upcoming bers that time that led up to him associated courses. These are for their safety. At least oneplaints were filed by Dave Kesleradvilowing a Stevensville involvup the incident during his executive into that cafe and worked outbucking their III, Inhas addition to the incident by John Dowd chines. 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 chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on YouTube October was being water Throughout he knew for Jodi, helping her transition into year. During the meeting, it was also taking on the position. the former chantwo of several criteria appliofthat thetime, potential victims she sor ing campaign signs. The complaints report at the April 25th town council differences… In my opinion it’s gotten of Philipsburg, who happens to be a opportunity to learn In addition to the custom leathpicious when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down on the 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 “The story of the Bitterroot Valley 55 board members and participated the role. Alfor willHouse be retiring in August this announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no about and participate in are against Stevensville resident Sue meeting. He told the council that an ugly, real ugly. I say shame on the lady candidate District 76. In his Following the closure of a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Allen Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready to taxpayers with the bill for the cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. Al spoke, Jodi stood to thank Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developMcCreary and Stevensville Mayor Bob 81-year-old woman had been cited for that took the signs and double shame complaint, Kesler accuses McCreary working but they had set up Stevensville Main Street business, Rivthe work of more than a dozen local the customapproximately grab the package from a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked ifrequirethere was anygle and said Al. He said the organization’s According to him for cowboy all his help to remind back from the the Chamber leadership.. 10th annual balland – which actually Another of thesethis treatment to history. bewent had to be provided with a ride isage notand a question answer” ering, from Covid-19. ing a climbing plan, Michalson. theft of triumphs,” aand political sign. However, the21 onboarding theMell lady that down and The had of “stealing campaign signs” andhim he er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould $60,000 in or front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or overarching goal for the Chamber has him, what was meant to be a six-month he was only supposed to speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments is that each applicant started 11 years ago but couldn’t be held last to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting willresult cov- from The complaints an mayor decided to “pardon” the woman her charged… nobody wins with this.” accuses Stevensville Mayor Michalson session. “It’s public comment. ” did the work at no charge to opened at the same location. Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular all of “They always direct the ever, members of theand public always to keep businesses connect-cash, appointment to“This the position 12 the pandemic minutes. ber for over 36 that years, much a 500-word essay disBoxxe due to –misconduct has been upgraded this The day after Overstreet. ersubmit the following agenda April incident in front of spent CJ’s Den and he been believed he had the authority The to mayor said heShoppe. used lasted his authorof official in‘no hissignature handling er, dissuading any worries about the thehad Bitterroot Valley before, so there details of the which was victim tothat send The mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had tried to access the years, and he enjoyed every moment Jodi stated theit,membership cussing the role hunting plays “It’s common sense to me,” year. topics: restaurant on Main Street in Stevensto do so under Montana code. He told ity as the mayor under MCA 7-4-4305 of the incident. surgery, he was is when I realized changeover, it will remain a place should be aanswering lot of interest inand theMark new transaction. being fraudurequired,’” she adds. Fredhe Upchurch, Deuter Oswald hold the been check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associlyofthat would beSavannah publicly thank Joan for helpThe Town offor recognized attorney Joan Mell, it. “It’s a good ride 29 numbers have been “trending every she says, pointing out that red Facebook page saidMcCreary it was notallegedly •during Review overall “This is the fiWhen rst year we’ve ever aup fully ville which the council thatFred the 16 issue was in between toof grant a pardon, and that heStevensville was contacted by done the Star, Kesler diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations material. There are artists total lently UnfortunatedeThe Bank Secrecy Act ation. Photo courtesy Upchurch. years,” said Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3 questions from the public. ing me and helping the town, ” flags abound when seniors are center, for filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives and desired put someone else’s campaign sign people in the same political party. required to report to the council whensaid he filed the complaints because accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. taking Covid while hidden behind brown-paper covso far, and the owners are always ly, it was not manded fromthe other side and partaking,” of 1970 requires banks to being being scammed. “If a person also saidisthat they said outcomes ofand the public in her truck also moved “This an 81-year lady we’re senior ever heon pardoned he’s Mell running on platform of the “cleanofPictured Montana Catering Service provide hadsomeone. Covid-19. with are, l toawill r, withdrawals Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio another opened more. “We old like allOverstreet. kinds for patience as she worked “I was obviously seriously enough. Staub’sCrews firstwelcoming citizen keep track of of 5 he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page is 80 years old, andsaid, all of a ing up government.” conversations sign. Thethe incident was videotaped talking about…,” said Michalson. Council Wally Smith When asked should be forsaid some its doors March 1.said ofprepared mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of member $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through issues. Mayorthey’re Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and coming Theshe Boxxe new location •aProvide an update and complaint against McCreary tookShoppe’s abrush sign. Shame on her.STEVI, can’t pardon someone who has into the The new “It business will feature business Suzette Smith. See COMPLAINTS, page 24 encountered commuSee page 2 sudden “interesting comments” from Greg Overstreet talks“Yeah, about hispartner, recent with death due tothe“You Overstreet. hit Jim Crews, former mayor bank to withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. Photo by at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page 5 by Michael Victoria Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork byPhoto Karen such cirStaub is Covid. by VictoriaSome Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one ofpage 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 ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing 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. andinvestigation. itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the 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 by John Dowd simple operation, are and raises that portion they willwas notpurchased be able to subjects to hugeaclass sizes, without January 2, Exit1st, Realty in the somedaily positive growthdistricts in the future. sale, the south want to change whole bunch right On Monday, April around 4:30 to According to Hamilton Police Departto 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 feeling the hurt. meet in his district. Along with other the ability to meet each student Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. at p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. a variety of pieces from furniture to in the valley. To do this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th for the next level of competition at the events. After resounding defeats last year, In the Florence-Carlton disschools, Florence has seen a decrease their individual levelthe to Draft maximize concerning SEIS for A new record of decision forest products and jobs; and to unmitigated impacts to changes, but in the valley may franchise owners, Tina andinquest Max ColeLendman. When asked how this change will involved in many a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA Convention inhas Billings district championships by Victoria Howell year, the2023-24 facility took inthe just under the school districts ofthese Ravalli County trict alone, were cut by nearly instatus enrollment. For him, the breaking what they get out of school. At the The sign forcosts Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rocknot be aware of how changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though the franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth in all toart, put envelopes on January 18,participant’s for filing objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which would inup effect with the highway, which is aaEventustate addressed when the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and commissioners all work isHowell done by her two casing the loveown of and Florence schools inthe April. for Stevensville include: decided not to run any levies this year. $450,000 in tobeckons over point will be staff go. current rate, according to Fisk, even and spent every penny. venville’s main visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will ifa es might affect them. Fortunately, rights that pertained tokeep the Bitterroot in valley, Exitroads Realty is still the equipment Lendman said that itand will not change venience Store. The engagement took Snavely stated that an inquest is also from heavy the scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied bytrying a drag, Draft treatment units. According to letting all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut offyear. access to Stevensville River highway, because now you’re going to on it. sold toproject aing new owner Fish, Wildlife signed off 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 McAccording to school officials, they dethe last According to Fisk, the ally, a “compressing curriculum” and things turn around right now, it could Jasmin Shinn, founder and There paid employees; it’sand, an allThe annualAdditionally, Montana Rockies beare no no break from the music, “No according to Kimsuspect Lendman, now the When they sold the fransame company. accord-mostly, in. Photo by John Dowd. place after the threatened andthatValley. standard procedure init,these types of press put valentine cards in kopf, activities director The Stevensville Town CounPark, a 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS provides a site-spea Forest Service release and logging trucks, a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding ATR Smart Procedures is athis softininvolved the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1sttoget place individual with tal Environmental Statement cided not to even attempt any year schools only place these cuts could come from adding more to teacher plates will givevolunteer take “years refill those lost Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up. Just up there and posiplay.” current owner of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot organization. But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1 Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer shooting See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf really cil split on whether to accept just to the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn the 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, Kyra Desbased on significant public disinterest were security, classes, technology and way. He wondered how teachers could tions,” and to start moving things in a (Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will officer. “We have seen tremendous supAtsmall A Time Draft Horse Rescue it costs about $200 per month to feed Homes in Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked a piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour there and is a developed fishing access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The aim 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 to Management Wildlife Re-that defining old-growth stantreatment areas are within anto last year, where all the attempted levinevitably, staff. beVictor. expected work without being positive direction. On Saturday, April 13, the be their first time, and for others The officers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate all Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility in Corvallis, got a nice these “gentle giants.” Then there are asking the community students Stevensville bridge, anmay itemowners that was at schools andHowever, negotiated theadded donation of the are paid are going to under be accidents there.” “But I think it’sled [the piece on the to provide parents a learning opportunity to see the Montana, themeasures organization lum. day the dedicated Ag Mechanics by Selwyn Hackies failed. Though this be to the Fisk that these enough towill meet inflation. Heand alsoveterinary there may be aevent way Neely Center again be hosting doHowever, this professionally, the is the source Objective toland “Maintain dards. Some objections to theSnavely. area designated forschool insect and resource and financial limitalife-saving to the suspect, that support,” said He was bills, therapy, training, and boost lastForest week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National 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 for various ways in which any young person can hide and team fallen in love with the According to theofcontest orga-athink engaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1stcan place individual with chagrin ofhave many schools in the valley, allespecially items that many inthis thedisease public mentioned that the districts are “los- would things improve right now,team and a Last year the lopes. the music. This spring festival always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuproud during time old-growth habitat treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County 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 andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and the issue may run deeper, according to are already underfunded. With higher ing good people” because they cannot light at the end of the tunnel, accordlopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting lance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s decorate them foraccess each revert toDay. the county. The 1.52-acre the dispute. only see adyliability,” 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 these horses. When they’re fi nally ready from representatives of JCCS, an Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. Florence-Carlton School Superintennationwide concern regarding things offer they and are worth. ing to Fisk. Many school districts Even are toteachers be more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied overwhat the area, beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest forWolff law en- had four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Michaelson said he looked up the for ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be driven or there, the necessary support viable populations having tothe dowith with the ing trees. They the area sees been through their arthecontest. The even full participation their knowledge to the testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team dent, Todd Fisk, and is notcould alone. like amore, heightened sense ofStevens. violence in claim Fisk also the other side, saying looking at a unique form of will charter mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands will play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline ago, a resident came drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side from said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesanclandnor Imembers think it can be used for parking. But then don’t see. Ifprogram. you don’t see, then you ridden, and some just become “pasture located inof Hamilton. Part of contest idea came from aCounty similar art all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is2020 impacted by mountain pine the project, the logging of old growth, “None them passed, by athe landschools, higher workloads on individthat current times are hard on allyou the school Beginning nextdon’t fall, new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s of The Ravalli Office isenveapiece great place to be awhere police officer.” center opened its doors in after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see of the bridge, was offered to the Town this of land. “It’s two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 That pets.” selection for awarding that gift See DUI, page 10 they held in Houston, Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, slide,” said Fisk about the levy atual teachers, schools falling behind taxpayers, whoand themselves maydevelopnot Corvallis will be of the first school by John Down first created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark rehabilitation of thelevy road after species. ” one The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest in the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the is the incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty onon the west side ofestablished the river,and then was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was ter the events of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, tempts last year.release InFort fact,that most schools other technology courses be getting raises either, due is tocomplete. similar districts in the valley trythe the new 50 years.Creek To docountries this, theyin will door tomistletoe some permanent and asked for $9.5According One ofConroy, thetoproblems, acOne band that continues to return to festival’s issued a of press detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only interesting the project Ravalli the Draft limits the scope Willow Road. dwarf and just toeast the north of Owen State together to decide what was needed potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access toSEIS potentially consoltains Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last year, toofhave that ToinJohnny contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea lost by at least 60% against, often and fewer teachers, the issue, accordissues all careers. Fisk concluded program. They will be calling their “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community conversations with people,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we asis the Campbell Band, visiting purpose is “to promote and encourevent and investigation. However, been three of these types shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a or not needed in the community. They of itsphone environmental consespruce budwormyears. damage. County objects 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 The glass recycling event in button, cell batteries (out of feature theorganization beauty of the and said Lander. students must and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen more. However, Fisk noted that there ing toparticipation,” Fisk, seems dire. that all ofnext this iscompete detrimental youth school, the Corvallis Rise Charter is the charm,” to levy, which BVCC said speaking about was exorbitant andin occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1commented Horse Aavailable Time Germany where she grew up around from Nashville. They beto joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information isstate at amuch However, these are always aButter, danger nonprofit that offers a pass came up with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the At owner ofand land channel and the deepest part of the of Vickie Motley, parkwill board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think It’s something in general financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have stated that the the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info so to give back to the community, “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 is a dire need in every single school When asked about future suseducation, and could lead to a terrible Academy. Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Community horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they this time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program side targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly ber, said that nothing had been done at the river ononce the northeast had channel. Ifto you toart develop RDO Equipment Co. to Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed improve agreement with the proposed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north if you don’t have batteries to recycle thought their successful art said Hafer, saying that entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton district in the valley, and across the tainability, Fisk showed concern. That picture eventowas.” Corvallis Schools College (BVCC) trustee and without success. campaign, whicheventuality. helped the unsure ofcould exactly how theshe College However, there soula, Idaho and more. The event is abut all According share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot is especially passionate about getters. The officer is currently on leave neither the norin any comed towards highly motivated people successful organization Denver, attempted to shut off river access on for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, pageto 16 end of the Ravalli Fairnow you canRunning save up to bring them contest was the way toShe go. According come in“Crosspurpose.” all forms. District in Montana consists of current twelve Harris 8571 W. Road country, for more funding. With inFisk stated that theywere areItlooking at tually look like extremely overworked, Superintendent, Joseph, these secretary, Sue Smith. was Theresilience vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. Theyadraft were seems toPeter have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it isCounty contrary to law forest to natural single-microphone type event, with When asked why he loves bluegrass, during this investigation, as iswake stanmunity members, harmed during That check followed inRavalli the horses. She and her husband, a ages 18 and older in both and called offers similar and Alliance for the Wild grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west ofprice the teaching Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer creasing costs ofthe everything, including a the $150,000 increase staff benefits underpaid teachers, many speaking about May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the 4 single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances like fire,be insects Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Deexchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according toinStevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed suit claiming the See SCHOOL, page 22 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 use the best tained food may be recycled Cardboard recycling will also be lead coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in prizes. chapter. Schools of all classifications for the Stevensville FFA: ask the public for help with a Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college. According to Butler, mentoring, support and to sources is broken down into threecounty phases. acre available farm which Shinn saidteam canitsupport That sounds like a lotfriendship of comments from Philip thefor Forest Plan, but owned and maintained ment inhold Willow for a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be giving away compete in FFA includ2nd place led bybe Presenting a the check for $7500 from JCCS to Jasmin Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by aStrobel rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to true.” She thephase trustees said that this voted inofpreviously high Ag Sales many believe itistonot whoever walks through their Stevens stated that the first is RDOequipment.com about 20 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,AA but please remove lids. Sponsored by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the 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
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
Local Chamber offiled Commerce annualsign business meeting Complaints overholds political incident
New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task
Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video more participation
sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face fire on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold Butterfly some shortages? objections Charter schoolsproject answerdraws to funding Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday
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
forSenate SenateDist. Dist.#44 #44 www.braddavisforravallicounty.com for VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN THE
SOUTHGATE To MALL Protect our493-0051 Heritage