County dust abatement application deadline extended
The Board of County Commissioners for Ravalli County has approved a Dust Abatement Program for county residents living on county roadways, and for those on privately-operated roadways that occur within public easements.
The Dust Abatement Program, a part of the county’s Gravel Road Management Program that was adopted in 2005, provides for a partnership between Ravalli County and private property owners. The county has contracted with a private company to supply magnesium chloride dust abatement material, which is applied by the Road & Bridge Department. Participants in the program pay only for the cost of the dust abatement material; the cost of preparing (grading) county-operated roadways and the application of the Magnesium Chloride material is paid through the Road & Bridge Department’s operating budgets.
In addition to being a nuisance, fugitive dust arising from gravel roadways can impact personal and environmental health, and can also contribute to the surface distress common to unpaved roadways during extended periods of warm, dry weather. Unpaved roadways are the largest source of particulate pollution in the United States, producing almost five times as much particulate matter as the next two largest sources combined. A single vehicle traveling on an unpaved roadway once per day for one year will produce one ton of fugitive dust per mile, which equates to losing one hundred tons of fine particles per year per mile of roadway with an average traffic volume of one hundred vehicles per day. Dust abatement materials applied through the program holds surface particles together, substantially enhancing the stability of the roadway surface and reducing the corrugation and loose aggregate that may otherwise occur.
The cost to participate in the 2011 Dust Abatement Program will be $0.24 per square yard of roadway surface, or $192.00 for each 300 foot by 24 foot segment of roadway which is the minimum (800 square yards) allowed under the program.
This year’s price is the same as it has been the previous three years. The Road & Bridge Department will waive the $75.00 permit application fee for all program participants, and will waive the $165.00 per hour roadway preparation fee for those living on a county-operated roadway. Those living on privately-operated roadways must provide for roadway preparation in advance of the application.
The deadline for submitting dust abatement permit applications has been extended to Friday, May 20.
Permit applications received after May 20 will be subject to applicable fees.
Application is scheduled to begin the week of May 23 and be completed by the third week in June, although applications are very weather dependent.
Residents and property owners living along gravel roadways are encouraged to take advantage of this unique public-private partnership and help make their summers much more enjoyable by controlling the dust that arises from these roadways. Many neighborhoods have combined their resources to treat entire sections of roadway, which the Road & Bridge Department very much supports.
For further information on this program, contact the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department at 244 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton or at 363-2733.
Service group donates to local food banks
Beta Sigma Phi’s annual tulip sale was a great success this year. The group was able to generously donate to all of the local food banks: Hamilton’s Haven House, Stevensville’s Pantry Partners and the Darby Bread Box. The money will enable the food banks to purchase food from the local grocery stores to supplement what they receive from the Montana Food Bank Network. It will also help them to continue their special services such as extra food in the summer for students and special boxes for the holidays. The local chapters of Beta Sigma Phi worked together on Good Friday, April 22, 2011, selling from Stevensville to Darby. They were grateful to all of the communities for their support in helping to make this fundraiser a success.
Rick Reed completes 20 years in Marines
By Jean Schurman
Gunnery Sergeant Richard H. Reed recently completed 20 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. Reed, the son of Heidi & Ret. Sgt. Dick Reed, graduated from Victor High School in 1990. Although he was born in Trahban Trahback, West Germany, his father’s family were some of the earliest settlers in the Victor area.
Reed enlisted in March of 1991. After completing Boot Camp, he embarked on a wide career ranging from cook and custodian to diesel and automotive mechanics. He is currently serving as the Motor Transport and Engineer Section Quality Control Chief at Bravo Company, Headquarters Battalion, in 29 Palms, California.
During his career, Reed was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. While there he served as the motor transport maintenance chief for combat service support Battalion-10. He returned to Iraq for a second deployment in 2008. At that time he was the Motor Transport Chief and Marine Liaison Officer for 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. He has also served in Guam, Okinawa, Japan, as well as several stations in California.
Reed has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal with three gold stars, a Good Conduct Medal with one silver star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
Reed was stationed in Billings, Montana, in 2005. During this time he had the honor, along with his fellow Marines from Delta Company Anti-Terrorism Battalion, to have a small part in the movie “Taking Chance” which aired on HBO. Reed called the commands for the rifle detail during the funeral scene.
Reed is married to Luz Maria SanchezGaribay who is a former Marine and a veteran of Desert Storm. They have two children, Andrew Michael and Lara Michelle.
Stevi Class of ’81 reunion
The Stevensville High School Class of 1981 will hold its 30th class reunion this year on August 5-7, the same weekend as the 99th Annual Creamery Picnic. Planning is underway for all classmates to have a great time, whether you graduated with the class in May of 1981 or not. Help is needed in finding classmates and if you know of one who hasn’t been contacted or need additional information, contact Dawn Lujan at ddlujan@hotmail.com or call Brian Potton at 369-1128.
HHS Class of ’81 reunion
The Hamilton High School Class of 1981 will be holding its class reunion July 22-24. For list of events contact Brent Huseby at 363-4226 to leave a message for Lisa Green-Dow at 406-381-9258. Or for more information go to Facebook at Hamilton High School.
Stevensville Foundation grants available
The Stevensville Community Foundation spring grant cycle is underway with a strict deadline of Friday, May 13, 2011. Grants are awarded only to organizations that benefit programs or projects which make the greater Stevensville Community a better place in which to live. Excluded are religious or political organizations. Cycles are annually held in both spring and fall. Thus far, almost $200,000 has been awarded by the Stevensville Community Foundation to many worthy endeavors. Information maybe obtained by picking up an application at the Bitterroot Star office, Rocky Mountain Bank or Farmers State Bank. For more information, or to submit an application, write to P.O. Box 413, Stevensville MT 59870, or call 239-5726.
Obituaries
Philip Perez
STEVENSVILLE – Philip Joel Perez, 23, of Stevensville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 1, 2011. He was born May 5, 1987 in Stevensville to Art and Cheri Perez. Philip graduated in 2005 and received his associates degree from Miles City Community College in 2008. He was the head coach of the Bitterroot Bucs for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Philip had a deep love for his family and for baseball. He enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing cribbage, watching Sports Center and watching Scooby Doo with his little sister and niece. Philip was preceded in death by his grandfather, Johnny Perez, and his great-grandfather, Harold Q. Cochran. He is survived by his parents, Art and Cheri Perez of Stevensville; five brothers, Kevin and wife Mandi and their daughter Avery of Glendive, MT, Jason and fiancé Lisa of Los Angeles, CA, Marcus and wife Brenna of Virginia Beach, VA, Matthew of Stevensville and Ben of Stevensville; his sister, Emily of Stevensville; his great-grandmother, Cora Cochran of Stevensville; grandparents, Eldon and Linda Champion of Stevensville; his grandma, Evangelina Perez of Ontario, CA; his uncle Skip and wife Cyndi of Stevensville; his aunt Jeri Piceno of Ontario, CA; his aunt Yolanda Girardot of Fontana, CA; his aunt Patsy Ryan and husband Leo of Cerritos, CA and several cousins. There will be a private family gathering Thursday evening. Memorial services were held on Friday, May 6, 2011 at the Lone Rock Bible Church with Pastor Mark Hofman officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Kevin, Jason, Marcus, Matthew and Ben Perez. The family suggests that memorials be made in Philip’s name to the Bitterroot Bucs, PO Box 1111, Florence, MT 59833. Condolences may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Esta Mae Owen
STEVENSVILLE – Esta Mae Owen, 83, passed away April 6, 2011 at Community Medical Center from MRSA.
She was born May 22, 1928 in Elgin, ND to Ray and Esta Bell. She graduated from high school in Ronan, MT and attended Kinman Business College in Spokane, WA.
Esta Mae was married to Claude Burnham in the 1950’s. She was then married to Maurice “Mo” Owen in 1966. Esta Mae worked in several business offices, banks and the University of Montana Financial Department. Later in her working career she was employed at Johnson Flying Service as a stewardess, then as co-owner/office manager with Transmountain Aviation, and served in that position until retirement. Esta Mae was a member of the Museum of Mountain Flying.
She loved to do all types of needle and art work. She played the organ and keyboard, took care of many house plants and outdoor ones as well. She played golf, enjoyed bowling, loved to dance, watch baseball and play solitaire. Esta Mae loved music and two of her favorite songs were, “Five Foot Two” and “Alley Cat.” She also loved pretty jewelry.
Esta Mae loved animals, birds and little dogs were her favorite. Reading was another of her favorites and she had fifty-seven (57) Danielle Steel books. She loved to clown around and tell jokes. She was a loving wife and companion with a radiant personality who loved people. Esta Mae will be missed immensely by all who knew her.
Esta Mae was preceded in death by father, Ray Bell and mother Esta Bell-Pendergraft, step-father, Clyde Pendergraft, step-brother, Bill Pendergraft and sister, Betty Bell.
Survivors include her husband, Maurice “Mo” Owen of Stevensville, MT; brother and his wife, Floyd and Betty Bell of Ronan, MT; step-sister, Peg Stonehocker of Overton, NV; nieces, Shirley Lockhard of Bigfork, MT and Bonnie Pink of Libby, MT; nephew, Robert Stonehocker of Spokane, WA; step-sons, Mark and his wife Sara Owen of Bellingham, WA and Matt and his wife Julie Owen of Kasilof, AK; brothers-in-law, Phil, Bryan, Keith, Zane and Dee Owen; sister-in-law, Shirley Pew; grandchildren, Jessica, Pauline, Ivan and great-grandchildren as well as a multitude of friends.
A celebration of Esta Mae’s life will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Whitesitt Funeral Home, 314 Church Street in Stevensville, MT with Chaplain Fred Jones officiating. A reception will follow at the Frontier Cafe on Highway 93 in Stevensville.
The family suggests memorials may be made in Esta Mae’s name to, MRSA Research Center, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Dept. of Pediatrics, Infectious Disease Section, c/o Rasika Ranganathan, Program Manager, (C-623-C) Wyler Building, 6th Floor, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 6054, Chicago, IL 60637. Condolences may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Death Notices
Susan A. Schrader
Stevensville – Susan A. Schrader, 61, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2011 at her home in Stevensville of natural causes. At her request, no services will be held. Whitesitt Funeral Home assisted the family with cremation arrangements.
Wilbur ‘Bill’ Reed
Missoula – Wilbur “Bill” Reed, 77, of Missoula passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at St. Patrick Hospital of natural causes. A graveside service was held on Monday, April 25 at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
Whitesitt Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.
Thelma M. O’Dell
Coeur d’Alene, ID – Thelma M. O’Dell, 87, passed away in Coeur d’Alene Sunday, April 17, 2011 of natural causes. A memorial service was held on Monday, May 2 at the Whitesitt Funeral Home.
Lucille Nicely
Missoula – Lucille Nicely, 93, of Missoula passed away Friday, April 15, 2011 at Community Medical Center of natural causes. At her request, no services will be held. Whitesitt Funeral Home assisted the family with cremation arrangements.
Dorian L. Janson
Stevensville – Dorian L. Janson, 88, passed away Friday, April 15, 2011 at his home in Stevensville of natural causes. At his request, no services will be held. Whitesitt Funeral Home assisted the family with cremation arrangements.
Gregory A. Zinke
Florence – Gregory A. Zinke, 53, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2011 at his home in Florence of natural causes. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, April 19 at the Florence-Carlton Community Church. Whitesitt Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.
Births
At Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, Hamilton
4/13/11
Girl, 7 lbs., 13 oz., 19 inches, to Katie and David Fagerstrom, Hamilton
4/14/11
Girl, 7 lbs., 7 oz., 19-1/2 inches, to Katie and Travis Bourret, Corvallis
4/16/11
Boy, 7 lbs., 12 oz., 20-1/2 inches, to Ashley and Sam Tintinger, Stevensville
4/17/11
Boy, 6 lbs., 10 oz., 19-5/8 inches, to Leah and Christian Upchurch
4/18/11
Girl, 7 lbs., 9.3 oz., 19 inches, to Martha and Levi Jones, Stevensville