by John Dowd School is back in session across the Bitterroot Valley, with districts beginning the 2026-27 school year with new programs, facility projects and goals ranging from academic … [Read Full Article] about Back to school 2026: valley districts begin new year with new programs, projects
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Headstones honor longtime Daly Mansion servants
by John Dowd Maureen Lischka has spent 18 years volunteering in the basement archives of the Daly Mansion, researching the people and stories connected to the prominent Daly family. Recently, […]
Ionic Lodge 38: more than a century of friendship, growth, giving back
by John Dowd For more than a century, the Ionic Lodge No. 38 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons has been a part of life in the Bitterroot Valley, […]
Dolly Parton’s legacy lives on through books in the Valley
by Mike Hudgins On August 25, the world lost Dolly Parton. Her music and personality brought joy to millions, but her legacy reaches far beyond the songs she left behind. […]
Hamilton reports petroleum contamination
by John Dowd The City of Hamilton has self-reported petroleum-related contamination discovered near its public works street maintenance shop after workers uncovered contaminated soil while clearing debris from the property. […]
Hamilton submits letter against Sheep Creek
by John Dowd The Hamilton City Council voted unanimously last week to submit a letter to the U.S. Forest Service opposing the proposed Sheep Creek Rare Earth Exploration Project, citing […]
Stevi loses public works director
by John Dowd The latest Stevensville Town Council meeting saw friction after the town’s former public works director turned in his resignation. Stephen Lassiter was open about his concerns regarding […]
Fair Parade brought back from brink
by John Dowd The Ravalli County Fair Parade nearly disappeared this year after longtime organizers retired and no one stepped forward to take their place. Tiffany Webber, a registered nurse […]
Swift Fox Farms takes learning outside
by Mike Hudgins On four wooded acres west of Stevensville, kids spend their summer days turning over rocks looking for bugs, building bows and arrows from willow branches and string […]
Commissioners propose 6 year terms
by John Dowd Ravalli County voters will decide in November whether county commissioners should serve six-year terms instead of the current four-year terms after commissioners approved the second reading of […]
Bitterroot Moment – “my second year in 4H…”
Seeley, Helena and Emmitt Phelps visited the Bitterroot Star in their quest across the county. Along with many other 4H participants, the youth are out, roaming the valley, talking to […]
Darby adds two new rodeo events
by John Dowd The Darby Rodeo Association is expanding its 2026 schedule with two new events this weekend, including a barrel race and what organizers say will be one of […]
Valley veterans honored by governor for continued service
by Mike Hudgins Seven Bitterroot Valley veterans were honored Wednesday, August 12, at the Veterans Memorial in Hamilton’s Hieronymus Park with the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, recognizing decades of […]
Hamilton adopts preliminary budget, advances subdivision ordinance
by John Dowd The Hamilton City Council approved its preliminary budget for the coming fiscal year and gave a second reading to an ordinance updating the city’s subdivision regulations during […]
Clearing the way: young trail crews find purpose in the wilderness
SBFC interns reflect on a summer of hard work, wilderness skills, newfound connections to backcountry by Sarah Glass If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there […]
Hamilton mayor proclaims ‘Dogust’
by John Dowd The City of Hamilton has officially proclaimed August 2026 as “Dogust Shelter Dog Month,” continuing a tradition that celebrates shelter animals and raises awareness about the importance […]