Stevensville High School Senior Roarke Baldwin has been named a finalist in the Wendyšs National High School Heisman Awards. Baldwin is one of 12 finalists for the 2005 awards chosen from more than 14,000 seniors nominated from high schools across the country. He is the first ever from the state of Montana to make it to the finals, according to Bryan Welzien, manager of Missoula Wendy's, who was on hand for the announcement Thursday at Stevensville High School. Welzien delivered bronze and silver medals that were presented to Baldwin.

Baldwin will receive a gold medal in New York City on December 9 from Archie Griffith, a two-time college football Heisman Award winner from Ohio State University. That weekend two finalists, one female and one male, will be selected as the two National Winners. National Winners will be announced during special ceremonies to be broadcast on ESPN2 on Sunday, December 11.

Created in 1994 in partnership with the Heisman Memorial Trust, the Wendy's High School Heisman Award has been recognizing outstanding, well-rounded students for 12 years. Students are chosen for excellence in academics, community service and athletics.

Eighteen-year-old Baldwin fits the bill. He is on his way to being this year's valedictorian at Stevensville High School with a grade point average of 4.3. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Key Club. He participates in both speech and debate. He is an Eagle Scout and an avid participant in the community. He is also a four-time letterman in both track and soccer.

High School Principal Jim Notaro praised Baldwin for his character and his accomplishments.

"Roarke serves as a role model for young people by demonstrating an ability to achieve balance in all aspects of life," said Notaro.

By making it to the finals Roarke has won a $1,000 scholarship to the school of his choice. The National Winner will receive another $2,500 for their high school, along with the coveted crystal Wendy's High School Heisman trophy.

Baldwin has been accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and hopes to attend. He is the son of JoAnne Foley and Jay Baldwin.

American Legion Post 94 holds annual Veterans Day dinner

The American Legion Fort Owen Post #94 held its annual Veterans Day dinner at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. Following a wonderful potluck meal, the attendees heard a number of reports and program updates.

Specialist John Bates who has recently returned from Iraq gave a report on what his unit accomplished while he was there and thanked everyone for their support while he was deployed.

Verbal reports were given by the 2005 Girls State and Boys State attendees from Stevensville. They were unanimous in expressing appreciation for having the opportunity to attend these programs and all felt they had learned a great deal about how our system of government works. Commander Esmay also expressed his appreciation to the three banks serving Stevensville for their monetary support of the Boys State program.

The Bitterroot Bucs baseball team manager, Kevin Chick, presented several trophies and plaques to the Post membership which the team had won this past season. He stressed the importance of the program in helping the young men build character and leadership skills. He introduced several of the players and pointed out that several players over the years have received scholarships to play college baseball.

Roger Bardsley presented Commander Esmay with a plaque thanking the Post members for their support of the youth and community programs.

The evening program ended with Commander Esmay announcing the 2005 Legionnaire of the Year recipient - Tom Frazier. Tom was recognized for his involvement and commitment to the Post 94 programs.

Local songwriters' work to be featured on TV

Husband and wife songwriting duo, James and Kathy Unruh of Victor, will have two of their original songs, "Take My Hand" and "Hope," debuting on an international television program on November 20.

Primary Focus, a Christian News Magazine, is part of the "Back to God Hour" which runs nationally and all over the world on various secular and religious stations.

Gary Stafford, a freelance producer associated with the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), was in the process of putting together a documentary special titled: "Hurricane Katrina - A Test of Faith" when he came across a blog Kathy had written about artists encouraging the victims of Hurricane Katrina through their gift of music. Gary was apparently intrigued with what he read and decided to listen to some of the songs Kathy had written and put on her website at abclearnguitar.com. After hearing them he sent her an email stating: "I love your song 'Take My Hand' (the lyrics, your voice, your guitar - everything is incredible). I'm wondering if you are interested in letting us use it or other songs in our show ..."

James and Kathy Unruh both play guitar and have been writing songs for many years. They have an acoustic style that is somewhat reminiscent of early Joni Mitchell and Cat Stevens, but with a Christian twist. In the spring of 2005, James and Kathy began recording a new song they had written together called "Hope." When Gary Stafford asked if they might have an additional song that would work for his documentary, James mentioned their new song. Gary asked James to send him a copy of the Iyrics, which he did. After reading them, Gary said they were "beautiful and just perfect for the show." So, James and Kathy quickly set up another recording session in order to finish the song.

Thanks to the efforts of Russell Perri (music producer), Jason Hicks (recording engineer), Erin Lally (cellist) and Suzie Zech (back-up vocalist), the song was completed to everyone's satisfaction by the time the deadline arrived. Finally, "Take My Hand" and "Hope" were ready to be burned to a CD and shipped off to Gary via express mail. The next day James and Kathy received an email from Gary and were happy to read: "I have just one word for you... amazing!!"

The couple is very excited that a film producer is interested in using their two songs for a television documentary about Hurricane Katrina. "We realize that having our music on the program can be a source of comfort and encouragement for those who were involved in the hurricane, and it may open up new opportunities for us in the future," James said.

To find out when "Hurricane Katrina - a Test of Faith" is scheduled to be aired, visit: www.primaryfocus.tv.

DePauw receives Girl Scout Silver Award

Kori DePauw of Stevensville, a ninth grader at Corvallis High School, and a member of Girl Scouts Troop 684, has received her Silver Award.

The Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award Girl Scouts ages 11-14 can earn, is symbolic of accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities. The Girl Scout Silver Award is earned by doing a project that helps to benefit a girl's community, her school, Girl Scout council, or a more global community, and can be earned as an individual or as part of a group.

In order to help young actors obtain the skills they need to progress in the theatric world, DePauw for her project directed a young actor's workshop at Chantilly Theatre. DePauw loves acting, and teaching. In this workshop DePauw used her leadership skills and her creativity to train 16 young actors. This project taught DePauw a valuable insight: she learned that it is hard work to be a director. She said, "It's not like being an actor where you only have to worry about what you do. As a director you have to worry about every character and every detail."

Girl Scouts of Big Sky Council has over 5,000 members in the 30 western counties of Montana. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to the Girl Scouts, call 1-800-823-4475 or 453-2477, or visit www.bigskygirlscouts.org.

Deer, elk harvest numbers up in West-Central Montana

Big game hunting season's third week in west-central Montana ended with total harvest numbers from the region's three check stations above the five-year average for both deer and elk.

A total of 15,436 hunters checked 597 elk, 566 white-tailed deer, 357 mule deer, two mountain goats, one moose, nine bighorn sheep and seven black bears. The region's cumulative hunter harvest success through week three was 10 percent, just above last year.

Deer harvest continued to pick up from the season's slow start during week three. Mule deer harvest totals are 10 percent behind last year after week three and three percent above the five-year average. White-tailed harvest, down 44 percent from last year on opening day, is now up four percent from last year and eight percent above the five-year average.

"We're seeing a lot more deer coming through the check station with the cooler, snowy conditions and the bucks starting to enter into the rut," says Jamie Jonkel, FWP wildlife biologist covering the Bonner check station. "A lot of hunters we talked to this weekend saw a lot of deer and elk moving in the lower country."

Elk harvest, strong all season, was 37 percent above last year's totals through week three and 27 percent above the five-year average. The Darby station reported the highest harvest with a season total of 393 elk checked, 64 percent above last year at the time.

John Vore, FWP wildlife biologist in the Hamilton area, points out that hunting for antlerless elk with a general elk license opens Saturday, November 19 for Hunting Districts 250 and 270, the West Fork and Rye Creek/East Fork areas of the Bitterroot.

"We're likely to see the numbers of hunters passing through the station pick up even more next week with the opening of the antlerless season in these areas of the Bitterroot," says Vore. "Hunters should be reminded that there is a quota on antlerless elk for these districts and to check current harvest numbers before heading out."

HD 250's antlerless elk quota is 150 and the quota for HD 270 is 250. Information on current harvest numbers will available by calling FWP in Missoula at 542-5500 or by stopping at the Darby check station.

Energy Share accepting donations

With heating costs on the rise once again, many Montana families will be at a financial break point when they try to pay their winter heating bills. Perhaps no one is more affected, however, than our low-income and working poor neighbors.

Energy Share of Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that helps Montanans facing energy emergencies. Last winter, thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses across Montana, with extra funds from Northwestern Energy and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Energy Share had enough funds to help 2,458 households. However, with the increase in energy costs and the administration's proposed 10% decrease in the federally funded Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), Energy Share will be hit harder than ever with applications for emergency help.

According to the 2000 census, Montana has 90,000 households at or below 150% of poverty. In this area alone there are 34,161 households in that income bracket. "The need for Energy Share's services will continue to be at a historically high level," said Glen Phelps, representing NorthWestern Energy on the Energy Share Board. Jim Morton, program director for the Missoula area, echoed Phelps' thoughts. "We expect to receive a continuing high volume of calls for energy assistance this winter. For another year in a row the situation is getting worse instead of better."

This November all Montanans will find Energy Share donation envelopes or pledge cards in their utility bill or Rural Montana electric cooperative magazine. Last year $199,000 in private donations was raised and 100% of these gifts went directly to families in need. Donations stay in local areas a Missoula resident's gift to Energy Share will stay in the surrounding counties.

Energy Share concentrates on providing one-time assistance for the majority of recipients. Families who live from paycheck to paycheck face financial emergencies when unexpected expenses occur. Frequently, these recipients repay Energy Share after their emergency or need has ended.

Those in need of energy assistance this winter can apply through the District XI HRDC office located at 1801 S. Higgins in Missoula, or call 1-800-777-7589 for more information.

Stevi firm awarded contract for Canyon Ferry Campground

Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Regional Director Mike Ryan announced a $541,520 contract was awarded to Spaulding Construction Company of Stevensville to rehabilitate Court Sheriff Campground at Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

Work on the campground will consist of roadway and campsite layout, earthwork, paving and chip sealing roadways and campsites and placing pavement markings. Work is set to begin later this month. The campground was closed to public use on November 1 and will reopen about Memorial Day weekend.

The campground is located on the northeast shore of the lake about 15 miles east of Helena.

The Bureau of Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.

Burns to hold hearings on forest planning process

U.S. Senator Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) has announced that he will be holding a field hearing in Missoula to gather information and discuss the forest plan revision process in Region One of the Forest Service. Burns, who is Chairman of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, has several concerns about how this process is moving forward. The hearing will be open to the public, and Burns encourages all interested parties to attend.

Burns' hearing, entitled "Challenges and Opportunities in Region One Forest Planning" will be held on Friday, December 2 on the campus of Montana College of Technology. To provide a contribution to the public understanding of how the Forest Service's planning decisions are made and whether they are consistent with the multiple use mandate, Burns will be inviting Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth to offer both his expertise and testimony.

"Unlike other federal land management agencies, the Forest Service has a clear multiple-use mandate. I am not convinced that the Forest Service is following this mandate when it makes critical decisions during the planning process on how forests in Montana will be managed," said Burns.

He continued, "I have received numerous inquiries and complaints from my constituents about the agency further limiting public access by closing established roads and trails, recommending large new areas for wilderness designations, and lowering timber harvests to levels that will cripple local economies. It is my intention to pursue these issues at this hearing and receive testimony from a broad array of stakeholder groups including the Forest Service, wilderness advocates, the timber industry, and motorized access users."

The "Challenges and Opportunities in Region One Forest Planning" field hearing will be held Friday, December 2 at 10:30 a.m. in the Health and Business Building Room 01 of the UM College of Technology, 909 South Avenue West, Missoula.

More information can be found on Burns website at: www.burns.senate.gov, or by calling his office at (800) 344-1513.

Anti-poverty program seeking VISTA volunteers

The Prevention Resource Center of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is looking for volunteers willing to dedicate a year of their life to combating poverty. The center is recruiting 22 AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers to work full-time in communities across Montana beginning in January 2006.

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national volunteer program in which individuals over the age of 18 give one year of service to a community. In exchange, each VISTA volunteer gets a monthly living allowance of $809, comprehensive health coverage, an education award of $4,725 to pay for tuition or loans, relocation expenses, and training and career development opportunities.

The Prevention Resource Center enlists VISTA volunteers to help communities establish long-term solutions to poverty by reducing child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, crime and violence, and school dropouts, according to Vicki Turner, director of the Prevention Resource Center. More than 20 VISTAs are currently working with the center in Montana.

"In many ways, Montana really is the last best place, and yet our abundant natural beauty is overshadowed in many areas by deep, intergenerational poverty," Turner said. "This is a great opportunity for Montana natives who are graduating from college to continue living here or to return home and get great work experience while giving back to their state."

Communities throughout Montana have used AmeriCorps VISTA members to establish "prevention infrastructure," Turner said.

As an example, she cited Kellie Gibson, a VISTA this year with the Laurel School District. Gibson is supporting prevention efforts in her area by bringing together many agencies, nonprofit organizations, and churches to better focus their efforts to create healthy alternatives for youth and their families. Other VISTAs have worked on such projects as educating youth about the health impacts of tobacco, developing youth volunteer centers and mentoring programs, and enhancing community involvement in prevention strategies.

Applicants for VISTA positions should have excellent communication skills and should demonstrate initiative, motivation, and an ability to work independently. A four-year college degree is required. Applications are due by December 1.

For more information, contact Stephanie Knisley, sknisely@mt.gov, or Greer Gurganus, ggurganus@mt.gov, or visit the Prevention Resource Center Web site at http://prevention.mt.gov.

Births

Births at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton

10-18-05
Boy, 7 lbs., 13 oz., 19-3/4 inches, to Michael and Jaime Rall, Hamilton

10-26-05
Girl, 6 lbs, 14 oz., 20-1/4 inches, to Zack Malatare and Erica Cummings, Stevensville

11-1-05
Girl, 8 lbs., 3 oz., 20 inches, to Bruce and Mary Hoke, Victor

11-3-05
Boy, 5 lbs., 12 oz., 19 inches, to Kelly and Aubrey McCarthy, Hamilton
Girl, 5 lbs., 17-1/4 inches, to Jeremy Overton and Lindsey McKinley, Victor

Obituaries

John Keeley

Maurice John Keeley, 96, longtime resident of Stevensville, died at his home on Friday, November 4, 2005.

He was born at Port Kennedy, Pennsylvania on January 20, 1909 and was the son of Irvin and Sarah E. (Winings) Keeley.

John received an eighth grade education before walking, at age 16, from Pennsylvania to Montana. When he arrived in the Bitterroot he worked for several ranches, including the McClay Ranch, the Schroeder Ranch and Bugli Ranch. He was a cowboy and worked the rodeo circuit. John entered the U.S. Army on November 14, 1940 and later received a medical discharge on November, 1941. He married Julia Margaret Wandler on November 29, 1941.

John worked for Highlander Brewery in Missoula. He later moved back to Limerick, Pennsylvania for Valley Forge Brewery and worked in the bottle house, a job he held for 20 years. The company was bought out by C. Schmidt and Sons of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and John continued to work for that company for several years. The Keeley family moved back to Montana in 1971, settling in Stevensville.

He was preceded in death by a son George.

Mr. Keeley is survived by his wife, Julia; three sons: James (Kathy) of Collegeville, PA and John "Rich" (Joan) Keeley of Stevensville and Bill (Kay) Keeley of Missoula and a daughter Julie (Michael) Jalcs of Phoenixville, PA; eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Memorial services will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Stevensville with Father Michael Smith officiating on Thursday, November 17, 2005, at 4 p.m. A reception will follow at the Family Center.

Memorials may be sent in lieu of flowers to Hospice of Missoula, 800 Kensington, Suite 209, Missoula MT 59801.

The Whitesitt Funeral Home and Cremation of Stevensville was in charge of cremation arrangements.

Ron Bausman

Ronald "Slim" Bausman, 61, of Stevensville, died at his home on October 24, 2005. He was born on May 4, 1944 in Grand Junction, Colorado and was the son of Glen and Saloma (Womack) Bausman.

Ron had a wide range experiences, including packing, ranching and trucking in Montana and Idaho. After returning to Montana, he met Yvonne, his friend and love. The couple were married in January, 1984. He felt the best times were spent with his wife, friends, and dog when fishing, hunting and riding horses. When he owned Western Supply he was involved with the High School Rodeo Club. Slim was honest, friendly and giving. He will be missed by all who experienced his smile and sense of humor. His church was on the mountain; God whispered to him on the wind.

He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn, and a brother, Jerry.

Survivors include his wife Yvonne of Stevensville; stepdaughters, Melodie, Missoula, and Denise in Washington, DC; a sister Glendora in Montana, brother Lawrence in Florida, three grandsons and two granddaughters. Also surviving is his mother Saloma, and numerous nieces and nephews, and crowds of friends in all corners of the country.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, November 12 at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville with Mark Hawes, Ravalli County Sheriff's Dept. Chaplain, officiating.

A celebration of his love for life will be held in the spring near rushing water in the forest.

George Douglas Turnbull

George Douglas Turnbull, 62, of Stevensville, died at the Evergreen Nursing Home in Missoula on Sunday, November 6, 2005.

He was born on August 6, 1943 in Wayne, Michigan, to Robert Hill and Loretta (Schultise) Turnbull.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1965.

Survivors include a son, Alec in Texas, daughters Julie and Marie, both in Texas, and Kim in Arizona and Tammy in Arkansas. Three brothers also survive: Robert Turnbull of Stevensville and Richard and Bill, both in Washington.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. The Whitesitt Funeral Home and Cremation of Stevensville was in charge of arrangements.

Gwen Powell

Gwendolyn Ellen "Gwen" Puyear Powell of Stevensville passed away on Monday, November 7, 2005 in Florence.

Gwen was born on January 26, 1919 in Victor, MT to Edgar and Frances (Keirns) Puyear. She graduated from Corvallis High School on May 19, 1937. Two days later she married the love of her life, Chester (Chet) L. Powell, May 21, 1937. After 63 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on August 30, 2000.

Gwen was active throughout her life. Gwen and Chet enjoyed camping and fishing throughout the Bitterroot Valley (after the gardening and canning were done). Gwen was a talented seamstress, and enjoyed all kinds of needlework. Chat boasted of her skill, "She even made me a suit."

She loved flowers, both growing and arranging them. The Stevensville Methodist Church was often the recipient of a beautiful Sunday bouquet. When giving directions to the house, all one had to mention was "the iris and gladiola garden on (old) Ravalli Street." She was a good cook and liked trying new recipes. But the favorites of her family and company were her pies and cookies.

Gwen's passions were her family and her painting. After taking lessons and trekking into the mountains and down to the river with her artist friends, she mastered all mediums but was especially proud of her portraits, many of them of her children and grandchildren. In her later years, Gwen enjoyed watching baseball, basketball and golf on television and had time to indulge her lifelong passion of reading.

Gwen was a member of the Garden Club of Montana, Stevensville Garden Club, and Beulah Chapter #8 of the Order of Eastern Star, Rebecca Lodge, United Methodist Church of Stevensville and the Indian Hills Retirement Community of Salome, AZ.

Gwen worked as a truck driver hauling bulk milk with baby Larry riding shotgun, at Farmers State Bank and First State Bank as a proof machine operator, and as principal bookkeeper at Powell's Conoco bulk plant and service station.

Her adoring husband Chet, youngest son, Larry, dear sister Mildred and loving parents Frances and Edgar Puyear, preceded her in death.

Her children survive Gwen: Linda K. (John) Berge of Issaquah, WA, and E. Leon (Linda) Powell of Stevensville; sisters Barbara (Terry) Kerr of Stevensville and Gerald (Joanne) Puyear of Yakima, WA; four grandchildren: Michael and Loren Berge, Lori (Bill) Swinehart, Curtis (Elissa) Powell Douglas; six great grandchildren: Samuel and Benjamin Berge, Kara Berge, Rebecca and Karine Swinehart and Diego Powell Douglas.

Funeral services were held Saturday, November 12, 2005 at the Stevensville United Methodist Church with Rev. Nancy Slaubaugh-Hart officiating. Eastern Star Ritualistic Services concluded the services. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Stevensville. A reception in honor of Gwen followed at the church.

Memorials are asked in lieu of flowers in the name of Gwen Powell to the Alzheimer's Association, 3010 11th Ave. N, Billings MT 59101.