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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume XL, Number Number 2 35 39 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 July26, 10, 24,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Bitter RootValley Humane Association Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th Fire anniversary update Yo u r N U M B E R O N E Coffee with the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking held for medical Three Mile Community Centercenter open ho bby st ore i n the Bi t ter ro ot Val l ey!
by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse
Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville Follow us!occupaspeech, more shelter.Find30out won’t any 5WM ain St. Hat amwww.GregOverstreet.com ilton | 406-361-8065 | h$140,000. ttps://rimrockhobablevy, ies.coso mthis tional andhave physical
Shelter hosts Bank slumber ‘Pawty’ First Security moves into old RMB Bitterroot
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 by John Dowd 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 On Friday, Rocky 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 Mountain Bank 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 Health CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink in honor of thewith organization’s (RMB) in the center 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 of downtown Stevensthe 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 The Bitterroot National has implemented Lois Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course forForest the next 50 years.” Daly Hospital had ville closed at noon for other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that19, the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn Stage 2 Fire Restrictions as of July due toofrecord peth, chair the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, the last time before a use noon Saturday and 12 noon The Sun- received gle-family residential dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and and approve a subdivision without tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Montana Hope Project. setting temperatures dry fuel conditions. It is often said that Mile Community Senior Center board l to r,He Colconducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the weekend makeover. day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County thatmembers, DNRC. criticized thebeorganization counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the Three is proud that contractor donated laclub is utilized byseptic local schools, “We will movinggeneral directly into Stage 2 fire little locally owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the On Monday morning, See SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the shelter animals, wore fundraising campaign to fund the new granddaughter of Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts,Wildlife a walking path,Boy a playgroup had they didn’t Teller Refuge, Scouts restrictions this season,” said Mark Fire bookstores are opened aon waning SeeWilson, CENTER, page 3 when theand bank pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then the Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground a covered picnic raised about have to run been fourStage years1 and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bit- “We decided not tohas Staff Officer. implement business. the among back up, many may in support of the shelter. with a 99-year lease. Six years later, pandemic hit and construction costs others. in works, but restrictions and immediately go to the highest level folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon have noticed that it the U.S. Shelters all over skyrocketed. As aconditions result, thefor group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive di- and because we currently meet the Stage One 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. changed to First Secu- held the even out of the country had to take out a mortgage to finish the land totake the organization rector, Tom Allsop, has been where 2.” ilton, may exception delays due to the rity Bank. 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 Fire restrictions are intendedSee to decrease the to this, asthe they were re-is apage See TRAP, Over weekSHELTER, 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 CreekofRoad and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building chance preventable, human-caused fires in the cently awarded for being end, First Security raiser for each shelter, and partictheir vision is that by “outstanding John Dowdmodel Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. designated areas. an bytoNathando. Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the Bank ineach Stevensville ipants work to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville Stage II Fire Restrictions will remain in effect business,” according to encountered most important underwent some big donate to their respective Hamilton City Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail until rescinded for all Bitterroot National Forest 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, changes, closing down businesses Individual community day, March 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do lands in Montana includingcenter” Selway-Bitterroot force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is forthan people Association. will of a “medical rather just a from their old locaalso 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 Wilderness Areas in She Montana. This Order doesDaly not also be celebrating 50 However, tion and moving into amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. also said that Marcus will to National Forest Serviceand 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 campusapply start the conlands administered years Murphy. She led the the RMB building. Saturday. Hospital, which isversation awithin critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe with those by the Bitterroot National Forest the AnaChapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through They are awere division of There over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians wasand recently rated #4 the have hospital, Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know conda-Pintler Wilderness NFS lands within the co-owners, and been steps a lengthy fundand byinlove. fund Glacier Bank Corporaby 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 ratIdaho portion of the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank ing one of them, Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commution, which purchased cue 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 thethe details Church Wilderness Complex by the Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoup, shows county, ing agency, outitadministered of 351 similar facilities. practitioner, and two more doctors six of the nine RMB welcoming all of the community to Numerous Bald Eagles have been congregating in the Burnt Fork area lately to feed on carcasses. Photos Chad Baker, First Security Bank regional market president and April Roush, Stevensville nities of the Bitterroot, When it comes Overstreet was beloved long-time city clerk, who is on March discussion period, several ofAfter the counCouncil 15th, Chief label. following of what potential Bitterroot National Forest. of the many ways they ciation works to affect conseroverall, doing very well locations, including visit theMichael shelter. by Howell. branch manager, inside the new First Security Bank lobby, day. Photo byfrom John There willby Victoria Howell being recruited. also be he said, with clinics in opening to Covid, Greg home retiring. members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely saidcil that he wants the protocol, and doingaresent victims are told, but have been successvation inofso the Bitterroot through on its tax collections and6 See FIRE, page Stevensville, two in Many the participants that Dowd.Hamilton The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet hasthe a other the hospital with During the public period Police comments. Department so in the presence of she knows that they ful. Joined by showing revenues over various projects and programs. Billings, Bozeman, spent the night were kids. During tional Forest (BNF) willRoberttoSteinThe Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message forprogram you: tank. of the such council meeting, “We need toBank keepCorour eyes onStaub it,” “become more about a witness, was antooxygen are, “often divisions ofvocal Glacier According Chad Baker, owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One is their Plentywood, and Whitehall. the party, participants hostslumber afool public meeting 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 shipporation are moving into the old the First Security Bank regionand Marisa Neyenhuis, most departments while scholarship program, which Glacier Bank Corporation has took part in a “tortilla slap game,” 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 RMB locations. The Stevensville al market president overseeing Luther believes having Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. expenses have only or awards three winners who can 17 bank divisions inPETS, eight states, 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See page hosted by the County Fish and and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” Hernearly ing11 his department’s experiof the paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in During that time, RMB location will be the only Ravalli County, the transition amounted of three people allows them display an interest in pursuing all in theAssociation west, while and RMBTrout was Unlim- thoughts to share information Wildlife were shared bythe several other ence with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, commondue tactics for and former council member, public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. one taken over by a First Security was pretty seamless. According to projections in large to do it all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields related to conservation, by Victoria Howell aited. division of Heartland Finanregarding the developThe meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the Banktodivision. part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do itAfter without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was wentBANK, down topage 51, 17 See cial. purchase, several ment of a the 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 was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, theSometimes experiencethey has been On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who high school in just January 27, town clerk Jenelle the Army valley. for 21 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 with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Fivethat fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in he was 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 victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and all of it hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the executive completed a she semester of college the last administration. In currentfrom Hamilton, was recbutuse wishes similar meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Cowboy Ball committee. told that the cancer got I potential felt familiar with of so herbadHe in jail,rewarding.” or that a prize about the track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According tochamRa- course to network. then got onto the board has been “extremely for members, giving their report, director. Al gave a history of the and submitted her transcript that others within the commupublic comment, Crews told ognized for stepping in (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 in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became Al was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof of compLeting nity would help her look out 2021. 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 advithey have planned for the upcoming bers that time that led up to him associated courses. These are for their safety. At least one Inhas addition to the been in the by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on YouTube October was being water Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition into year. During the meeting, it was also taking on the position. the former chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn and eachpicious In addition to the the heating custom leathwhen has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, time left will cut down on bill and “They need to be replaced. They’re getting banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy or aided whatand “The story of the Bitterroot Valley 55boarded, board members participated the role. Al will 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 Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready taxpayers with the billin for 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. AlAllen spoke, Jodi stood to 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 developworking but they had set up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the anycustomgrab thehelp package from a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there gle and triumphs,” said Al. He said the organization’s history. According to him for all his and to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another of these requiretreatment the boarding to had be to be provided with a ride isage notand a question and answer” ering, from 21 Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould in was meant to be a six-month front door when it arrives. the was doing, or overarching goal for the Chamber has $60,000 him, what he was only supposed to held speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments iscity that each applicant started 11the years agoor but couldn’t be last to the bank as well as to colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covsession. “It’s public comment. ” did the work at no charge to opened at the same Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular cash, all of “They always direct ever, members of the public always been to keep businesses connect- appointment to“This the position lasted 12 the pandemic minutes. – has been upgradedthe ber for over 36 that years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to this The day after Overstreet. er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details thethehad which was to victim to send it, ‘no signature The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access theplays years, andI he enjoyed every moment cussing thewas “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership year. topics: surgery, isfrauduwhen realized changeover, itrole willhunting remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being required,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associly that he would be answering publicly thank Joanoffor help-beenshe Thesays, Town offorStevensville recognized attorney Joan aup Mell, it. “It’s ride 29“This numbers have been “trending every pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the first year we’ve ever done fully diagnosed with I was nota good art. After two months of renovations material. ThereFred are 16 artists in total lentlythat deThe 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 in while town Greg objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. taking Covid center, for filling while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from ofattorney 1970 requires banks to being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person also said that they said outcomes ofas the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service will provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l to r, Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened more. “We like allOverstreet. kinds seniorseriously for patience she worked “I was obviously enough. Staub’sCrews firstwelcoming citizen keep track of withdrawals he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a Howell conversations should beofprepared forsaid some by Michael its doors March 1.said mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new “It business feature Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2 bank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. hit will Jim Crews, former mayor to5withdraw $15,000, it National Stacie Barker. by Victoria Howell. at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page The Bitterroot Forest has recently by Photo Michael Howell onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some such cirStaub is Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the ramped up its stream and fishery restoration efforts Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants Last the Ravalli County Commissioners byof hiring a new Fisheries and year, Watershed Programapwork is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with On March 9th, members the week This school the Stevensville proved adoption of a memorandum of understandManager and backing her up with an “Aquatic of 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 by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continuecontests workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing with the Ravalli DUI Task Force and consisting of County multiple hydrologists, fishery Western floralChadwick, patterns. Inthat addition Smith A Hamilton business, hails theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of Team” fourteen requiring qualification to advance Deputy Presley Sgt. Jason Liechty, the Corporal Thomas Hsu inspace. Jackson Hole. Photo courtesy Jason Liechty. tice thetook change atthe all, and itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After the ing and marketing as one. “We didn’t (DCI) will be doing the investigation. Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce aasecured video designed biologists, forestry technicians natural reto her leatherwork, isaround also RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working toinan enand theto contest is still looking agricultural leadership competito the level and invitaby Michael Howell Since January 2,Karen Exit Realty the to some positive growth in the future. the southand portion was purchased want tostate change a and whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, 4:30 1889, According Hamilton Police Depart- sale, to help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavsource specialist. accomplished 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 LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior.According Fisheries andhow Watershed Program aininvolved variety 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 toto events. the SEIS for record of decision forest products and toof unmitigated impacts changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked thisDraft change will in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on byVictoria Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of Manager Brandy Langum, her team has athe wide jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings 2023-24 district championships by Howell year, the facility took inthe just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in 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 status in all toart, put envelopes on January 18,participant’s for filingby objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which wouldschools in effect with the highway, which is arange addressed when the private land was astate Mischief Room May and commissioners expertise and a said lot of experience in thewill all work isHowell done her twotook casing the loveown of and Florence inthe April. for Stevensville include: $240,000 and spent every penny. venville’s beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there es might affect them. rights thatmain pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Realty is still theof to Lendman that itand will not change a venience Store. The Fortunately, engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also roads heavy the scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most a drag, Draft treatment units. According to Exit all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment sold toproject aing new owner Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenvarious elements involved in improving water qualhands, using no lasers or CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McJasmin Shinn, founder and There are no paid employees; it’s an allThe annual Montana Rockies be no break from the music, and, “No according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it, the fransame company. Additionally, accordin. Photo by John Dowd. place after the suspect threatened and standard procedure in these types of put valentine cards kopf, director The activities Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre parkare onwelcome the east bank have two accesses for trucksity, pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging mostly, atrucks, set of easily accessible items that hadgroundwater secret hiding fishery habitat, stream hydrology, ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up. Just get up there and play.” current owner of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot volunteer organization. But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1 Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state compartments where someone could stash some storage and riparian vegetation. 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 Bluegrass Festival is per returning to For some of per these bands, this will officer. have seen tremendous supA Time Draft Horse it costs about $200 month toaim feed Homes inHowever, Hamilton, isRescue liked the idea. He“We asked aAt small piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles hour there and is a developed fishing access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The was Langum said the team is currently focusing on Hamilton. after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. to Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-that defining old-growth stantreatment withinOn anSaturday, Victor. April 13, the be“gentle theirManagement time, and for others Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate allareas are Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice these giants.” Then there are asking the community students Stevensville bridge, an that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’s [the piece the to provide a learning opportunity toon see the six different watersheds across the forest and buildMontana, themeasures organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn HackNeely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the source Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the area designated for insect and resource and financial limitalife-saving to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost last week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide on past restoration efforts, gathering and assessand team have fallen in loveby with the Accordingproud tolopes. the engaging ofmusic ag ing teachers ett, 1st place individual with team by Kristin Kruse and heritage inorgaMontana,” stated Liechty. Last year the envethe music. This spring festival always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported ambuespecially ofcontest this during atreatment time old-growth habitat disease because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck forof$7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of doessee what use the land is to the town. “Iother city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres ing the available data, and planning a interesting more robust 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 The state of Montana not require anywill spe-feature lopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser 18 bands one newer band by the 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. see adyliability,” Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motnot said be able to accommodate onWhen suitable timberland to the January 18 deadline dense pockets of only dead and these horses. they’re finally ready from representatives of that JCCS, anby Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, program for continuing monitoring and restoration of commercial and non-comthey have been showing love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. It seems only natural that law enforcement cific certification for mounted unit officers, however to be more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest law en- had four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent to the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tells parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch for most can be driven or there, the necessary support viable populations having tothe dowith with theparticipation ingfor trees. TheyCorporal claim the area will efforts inathose drainages. been through their artwould contest. The even more, full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA Conduct of Chapter Meeting: team agencies in Montana have amostly mounted unit, Liechty, along with Thomas Hsu mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.Patrol These bands play for and Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. The ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side proudly said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers 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 from Hamilton. Part of contest theOffice She emphasized that they are working closely idea came a similar art from all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, nor the logging of old growth, and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s and Deputy Presley Chadwick, recently attended new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place be awhere police officer.” center opened itsto doors in 2020 after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see of the bridge, was offered 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 with existing partners including the Clark Fork See DUI, page 10 they held in Houston, Texas right af-a three-person These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership developett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, announces that they currently have a26 Mounted Patrol Certification course in Jackson by John Down first to be 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. ” side The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his years with departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the is the incrediitment would be maintained andCoalition, utilized erty onon the west ofestablished the river, then Trout Unlimited, Bitterroot Water Partwas online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, and team in action. Hole, Wyoming that is taught by a local Law En50 years.Creek To doRoad. this, theynoted will door tomistletoe some permanent and for $9.5According One the problems, acOne band that to asked return toof Conroy, the the festival’s issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely there have only interesting thecontinues project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits scope Willow dwarf and just toeast the north of Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within fiveand the you have access to potentially consoltains Corvallis. nership Bitterroot River AssoATR wanted to find atry way to was astonished, last year, toofhave that To Johnny contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea Patrol Sergeant Jason Liechty, who has been forcement Officer who holds aisspecialized training “Hopefully, the third need to ask the community conversations with people,” million, which Butler said cording to Protection Butler, was, “we asthe 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 budworm damage. County objects to shifting Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the Town The original proposal was ciation. They are also coordinating with Montana The next glass recycling event in button, cell batteries (out of feature the beauty of the andto said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen with the Sheriff’s Office for 15 years, tookamuch on theparticipation,” once a year at cost. Inspeaking attendance were officers is the charm,” levy, which BVCC said about was exorbitant andin occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1commented Horse Aavailable Time Germany where she grew up around from Nashville. They be joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information isstate at However, these are always aButter, danger nonprofit organization that offers a pass came up with the concept ofno 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 Although in general financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have stated that the Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Montana Department 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 project and has helped make this long time goal from Gallatin County and Wyoming along with the withdrawn in August of 2020 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. of Environmental Quality, the Natural Resource and 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 come to life. group from Ravalli County. The three-day training College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which because helped the unsure ofThe exactly how theshe College was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. event is abut all 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 on for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem the access problem had been See STEVI, pageto 16 Conservation Service and Ravalli County. end of the Ravalli Fairnow you can 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 Running W. Road “There are so many advantages toThe having officers was intense, according to secretary, Sue Smith. was vote will take place toLiechty. speak with the process worked. Theyadraft were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it isCounty contrary to law forest resilience to natural single-microphone type event, with When asked why he loves bluegrass, during this investigation, as iswake stanmunity members, were harmed during That check followed inRavalli the horses. She and her husband, a ages 18 and older in Wild both and called Itorganization offers similar and Alliance for the grounds. TheAccording price is the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, This will the ninth year they schools west ofpage the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer on and itorganizafits rightmanagin the history speaking about the on May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the See topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the15 See FOREST, page single stage. toimpression Mike ConDEPUTIES, 17the “We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances like fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition towith services, according to Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard ahorseback, $25,000 gift in November See BLUEGRASS, page 4 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 career training, Summit offers The six-month program offered Forest officials also received indicator species are listed in and disease; reduce sediconcern over impacts to from Tractor Supply. relocated to Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to thewith best tained drinks or 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 a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler, mentoring, support and to sources is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said canitsupport That sounds like a lotfriendship of comments from Philip Strobel thefor Forest Plan, but istonot county owned and maintained ment inhold the Willow JEFF for a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels can available apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been incredible. This year, they will be giving away compete in FFA includAg Sales 2nd place team led by Presenting a check for $7500 from JCCS to Jasmin Shinn left) of 1 Horse At rare opportunity to create a and wanted to true.” She the trustees said that this voted in previously by a high many believe it be whoever walks throughto their doors. Stevens stated that the first phase is RDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according clear whether there are other roads, Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stayAndrea on, but please remove lids. by the non-profits speaking about the around $4,700 indevelopment,” prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and created, Kayton French, 3rd place community college in the Shinn, Bit-contest and others with BVCC have levy beClark, different. The margin. After being associated with theindividual outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l towill r: especially Levi CPA, Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk When habitat and didn’t comThis program is the brainchild of called “personal which taking care of draft horses is Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, “All of cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Stevensville, with team members Kamryn Jones, Office of the Regional bulloftrout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they iswent the the district was levy program run by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny,to the non-profit’s mascot and theable toAdminply with theMyla definition of old power duo 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, page 5 vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance to byESTIMATES public, did after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality For House District 86 is 6 •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 morePaid 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 for by Jeff Kempka for HD86 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
in stage 2 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
Bitterroot Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting National New studio opens its doors inForest Stevensville DUI Task Force, MAPS ramps up to partner on Art contest seeks restoration 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 project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday Sheriff’s Department adds Career mounted unit Summit Center offers
Glass recycling BVCC gives it one more college try event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. more than career guidance
Davis for Senate Dist. #44
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