Thank you, Victoria

by Cathy Scholtens, Stevensville

The very first time I walked into the office of the Bitterroot Star back in 1991, I knew I had found kindred spirits. The Star was more than a newspaper office—it was a gathering place, where locals came to sip espresso and linger in conversation. The two well-worn tables, rescued from the old Mammoth Bakery in Missoula, sat beneath exposed brick walls adorned with local art. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and unmistakably alive.

I met so many wonderful and interesting people in that space—many of whom became lifelong friends.
On Mondays, the sharp, familiar scent of rubber cement filled the air as Victoria painstakingly built the newspaper layout section by section, cutting and pasting each piece before it was sent off to the printers that night. This was long before computer software simplified the process. Michael Howell would emerge from the makeshift darkroom to share a story or discuss an article he was working on. When the printed papers arrived, teenagers and young adults gathered to roll, wrap, and sort them for mailing. It was busy, energetic, and full of purpose—a truly lively place.

The glue that held it all together was Victoria Howell. She was always busy, yet never too busy to pause for a visit. Her integrity, attention to detail, and deep commitment to honest, thoughtful local journalism were evident in every issue. Victoria had her finger on the pulse of Ravalli County and gave her time generously to the many clubs, committees, and organizations that make this place better.

There must have been years when keeping the paper alive required more grit than income, especially while raising a family in Stevensville—but she persevered. Through it all, Victoria  held fast to her journalistic ideals.

Over the past 35 years, much has changed. The Star’s little coffee corner disappeared when the faithful old espresso machine finally gave out. The office moved. Eventually, the Howells sold the paper—but only after finding a buyer who shared their commitment to integrity and community. Victoria stayed on through the transition, ensuring it was seamless. Her knowledge, her relationships, and her tireless work ethic carried the Star forward.

Reading in last week’s paper that Victoria has retired brought both joy and a touch of sadness. It is wonderful news—well deserved and long overdue—but it also marks the stepping down of a true Ravalli County legend.

I want to publicly thank Victoria for all she has given to this community, to Stevensville, and to my own family. She has been a bright star in every sense of the word—a trusted voice, a steady presence, and a dear friend.

And now, I look forward to sharing many cups of coffee with her…this time, without a deadline looming.