Bitterroot Star

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Message from our County Sheriff Steve Holton

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Thank you for following the Governor’s Order and doing what each of us individually is able to do towards slowing the threat of Coronavirus to our community. While this emergency is similar to other events that have occurred in Ravalli County, it has also presented new challenges. We cannot have public meetings to address specific needs, or gather to support each other and learn the latest information. As a community and State we have responded admirably however, utilizing media platforms and virtual meeting technology to overcome many of these obstacles we have been able to plan public safety responses to maximize our resources.

The Ravalli County COVID-19 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Dr. Carol Calderwood has unified our first responders, local hospitals and clinics, and community stakeholders. They are working long hours every day to make sure we can serve our vulnerable populations.

To me, this is what makes Ravalli County, the “Bitterroot” so special. Our ability to work together, take care of each other, and successfully tackle every problem that comes along. COVID-19 is no different, it is just a new problem

Remember who we are; friends, neighbors, and families that reach out and care for each other. We don’t hoard supplies, in fact many will go short on some things just to make sure our neighbors have enough. We care for each other and it has been clearly evident over the last several weeks that we have not changed.

To quote IC Dr. Calderwood, “This is not a time to be selfish.” Help protect our neighbors who might be more vulnerable to this virus. Maintain physical distancing, do not travel unless it’s essential, follow the Governor’s Order, do not meet in groups of over nine people, and sanitize surfaces, wash your hands frequently, and do not touch your face.

Don’t listen to or give credence to social media rumors. Find reliable information sources such as the Incident Management press releases, the Emergency Operations Center phone lines (406-375-6650), or the State hotline (888-333-0461).

Take care of each other. Together we will get through this emergency. Do your part to lessen the impact and speed the process.

The following was recently written by an 11-year-old Ravalli County resident. He “gets” it.

“Good and Bad” March 27, 2020
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s scary. It’s outrageous. I know. Coronavirus is affecting so many people in many ways. Whether it’s indirectly or directly, it’s going to be ok. There are many good and bad things in the world. There are many bad things in this situation. Though, every thunderstorm has a silver lining. People will become more prepared for the next health crisis, good thing. A lot of people are recovering, very good thing. People are losing their lives, very bad thing. There is nothing we can do in the past. There is little we can do right now. But there is much we can do in the future. I know it’s horrific. I know it’s depressing. I know it is driving you crazy. But we must stay together. We can’t save lives in the past. We can barely do it in the present. If we come together as a community (even more than we are now), we can do a lot about lives in the future. This is our war… let’s fight it together.”

Well said, young man.
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