Star Editorial One has to wonder whether there was an ulterior motive in the County’s legal notice bidding process this year. Certainly the award of the bid to the Ravalli Republic was not made for fiscal considerations or in the interest of the public’s right to know. Last year the Bitterroot Star was awarded the […]
Archives for December 2015
Happy New Year to centenarian Helen Jenkins
Celebrating the turn of the year is even more significant when it’s the hundredth one you’ve seen. That’s the case for Helen Jenkins of Hamilton, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday with a party given by great grandchildren, Valisha and Mike Needles, and other family members. She was born on December 18, 1915. Jenkins was […]
Some dark money contributors have Bitterroot connections
By Michael Howell Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl has accused Montana Growth Network (MGN), a registered political committee in the state from 2011 to October 2012, of violating Montana’s campaign laws in the 2012 elections. Motl found that MGN filed too late as a political committee, published material supporting and opposing certain candidates […]
County’s contract for legal notices goes to high bidder
By Michael Howell The Ravalli County Commissioners awarded the contract for publication of the county’s legal advertising for 2016 to the high bidder last week, citing issues of “efficiency and the testimony of some departments” as reasons for paying the higher cost. The bid from the Ravalli Republic was $2.85 per 100-word folio for the […]
Daly Hospital recognized for overall excellence
Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton finishes the year on a high note, with recognition for performance leadership in quality. It was announced that the hospital has been recognized by iVantage Health Analytics and the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health (NOSORH) for overall excellence in quality, reflecting top quartile performance among all […]
Exit Realty honors top teens
Exit Realty Bitterroot Valley recently recognized its November Youth in Action award recipient. Sadie Mauk was presented with a certificate and a check for $50. “We always seem to hear about the negative activities teens are up to,” said Max Coleman, broker/owner of Exit Realty Bitterroot Valley. “There are so many teens who are doing […]
Pantry Partners provides for hundreds
The Pantry Partners food bank of Stevensville completed its food box give-away on Tuesday, December 22. Cleo Guenther, director of Pantry Partners, said 360 boxes were given out or delivered to those in need. “This feeds about 1,225 people”, she said. Guenther said she has noticed that there are more extended families living together. “Now […]
Bitterroot Valley Urgent Care offers affordable health care option
By Liz Cook Bitterroot Valley Urgent Care, located at 1230 North 1st Street in Hamilton, is locally owned and operated by husband and wife, Greg and Cyndi Hutton. The clinic first opened on August 17, 2015. Dr. Hutton treats the patients and Cyndi works the front counter, helping patients check in. Dr. Hutton has been […]
Happy New Year from Cheers Unlimited
By Liz Cook Cheers Unlimited, located at 501 S. 1st Street in Hamilton, has been locally owned and operated by Dan and Denise Moerkerke since 1989. Cheers is the only State Liquor Store in Hamilton. Dan and Denise pride themselves on bringing affordable liquor, beer and wine to the people of Hamilton. Recently, Cheers celebrated […]
Praise for Zinke
This year, access to Montana’s natural resources was threatened in Congress by agendas that simply don’t understand our traditions and heritage. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) became an unnecessary political football, officially expiring on September 30, 2015, despite pleas from Republicans and Democrats alike for the program to remain intact. This year our […]
Zinke’s gotta go
Our congressman Ryan Zinke must be applauded for his legislation on behalf of veterans. On the other hand some of the other legislation he supports is not beneficial to Montanans. He is sponsoring a bill that requires a person challenging Forest Service decisions to post a high bond when contesting government projects. This bill limits […]
Time to revisit growth policy
A motorsports park on the north end of the county fairgrounds might be a good idea. It would provide a convenient location close to town for people who enjoy racing. Or it might be a bad idea. The noise alone might be enough to decrease property values of homes nearby. It’s hard to say if […]