Mule deer harvest, down 30 percent at the season opener compared to last year, is now just seven percent below after week two. White-tailed harvest, down 44 percent from last year on opening day, is down only 12 percent.

"Deer harvest has really picked up this past week as the weather has cooled and snow accumulations in the higher elevations pushed the animals down to more accessible winter range," says Bob Henderson, FWP wildlife biologist.

Elk harvest remained strong region-wide during week two with totals 12 percent above last year. For the third weekend in a row, the highest numbers were reported at the Darby Station. A total of 253 elk have passed through the Darby station this year, up 29 percent from last year's second week.

"Elk harvest reported at the Darby station has been strong all season," says John Vore, FWP Biologist in Hamilton. "The only thing that changed during week two is that we started to see less elk from Hunting District 321 in the Big Hole and more from the East Fork of the Bitterroot."

The region's cumulative hunter harvest success through week two was 9.4 percent, consistent with last year. A total 11,257 of hunters checked 417 elk, 415 white-tailed deer, 232 mule deer, one mountain goat, one moose, eight bighorn sheep and seven black bears.

Bitterroot Restoration awarded Army Corps of Engineers contract

Bitterroot Restoration Inc. (BRI), an ecological restoration firm located in Corvallis, was recently awarded a contract by the Department of the Army, Seattle District, Corps of Engineers. The Brush and Plant Removal/Replacement Services Contract is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, task order contract with a value of $2 million during the base year award with a potential value of $10 million including four one-year options. This is the second large Corps of Engineers contract awarded to BRI. In 2001, BRI was awarded a five-year contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Watershed and Abandoned Mined Lands Planning.

Along with the Corps of Engineers, customers who can use the new contract include active and formerly active military installations and other properties owned or being restored/rehabilitated by other federal agencies in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana and other areas serviced by the Seattle District, Corps of Engineers.

BRI has received its first task order issued under this contract to eradicate, control and prevent the spread of noxious and invasive weed species scattered over 1500 acres on undeveloped areas of Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls.

BRI's subcontracting team includes Cherokee General, a construction company from Portland, Oregon, and Arrowhead Reclamation and Mountain Valley Plant Management, both Montana firms.

Since 1986, Bitterroot Restoration Inc. has managed ecological restoration projects for clients such as the mining industry, utilities, U.S. military, and National Park Service throughout the Western United States. BRI's primary focus is to restore native ecosystems and landscapes in areas that have been disturbed. Key to the success of BRI's restoration projects is the company's comprehensive approach, combining assessment and design capabilities with implementation expertise and production of superior native plant material.

With two growing facilities located in Corvallis, Montana and Lincoln, California, BRI has become one of the largest native plant suppliers. At these facilities, BRI has the capability to grow site-adapted species for any geographic zone.

Foster/adoptive parents needed

Missoula County Child and Family Services is seeking Foster Parents and Adoptive Parents. Stable families or individuals are needed who are willing to open their homes and hearts to children who need a temporary or permanent home.

Child and Family Services works with children ages 0-18, who are in need of a foster or adoptive home. These children are not able to stay with their birth family due to abuse and neglect, and/or because their birth parents and family are unable to care for them due to incapacity, addiction problems, illness or incarceration, or a combination of problems that create an unsafe environment for children. Foster and Adoptive families are needed in all areas of Missoula County.

To learn more about the foster care and adoption programs and to attend free orientation and training, contact Loretta Rotellini at 329-1578.

Award offered to identify trailer owner

Stevensville District Ranger Dan Ritter is offering a $200 reward for information leading to the identification of the owner of a trailer that was abandoned in the Bitterroot National Forest near Victor. Contact Bitterroot Law Enforcement at 363-7108 if you have any information about this trailer.

FFA members attend national convention

The 78th National FFA Convention recently concluded in Louisville, Kentucky. Among the 52,000 FFA members and guests attending were over 250 from Montana. Fifty-three Montana FFA members competed in competitive events, two were in the National band, two in the National chorus, one in the National talent program, two competed as finalists with their proficiency projects, and sixty-five received their American FFA Degrees.

Receiving team Gold awards were the Laurel FFA in Mechanics, Park City FFA in the Ag Sales and Service contest, and Ruby Valley FFA competing in Parliamentary Procedure. Silver medals were earned by the Flathead FFA in livestock evaluation, Big Timber FFA competing in both the Environmental/Natural Resources and Farm Business Management contests, Conrad competing in the Agronomy contest, and Stevensville in horse judging. Bronze medals went to the Missoula FFA in meats judging, Big Timber in the Ag Issues Forum, and Richey competing in Floriculture.

Entertainment during the convention was provided by Mandy Jacobs, Shepherd FFA, competing in the National Talent contest. The National FFA Band and Chorus were also represented with Montana FFA members from Stevensville (Nicole Disney and Stephanie Miller), Shields Valley (Shantel Starkey), and Joliet (Janelle Engel).

Montana FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of 2,700 members in 76 schools by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Flu vaccine coming soon to health-care providers

State health officials said last Friday they expect adequate supplies of flu vaccine this year, despite problems early in the season with uneven distribution in some Montana communities.

"Flu vaccine is slowly making its way to county health departments, doctors' offices, and hospitals," said Joyce Burgett, head of the Immunization Program at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). "Some vaccine manufacturers are still shipping their orders, and we expect a significant portion of vaccine to arrive in Montana in November, December, and January."

County health departments, hospitals, nursing homes, and health-care providers ordered their vaccine last spring in preparation for this flu season, Burgett said. But some have yet to receive it.

"There is a problem with distribution of vaccine supplies in some communities in Montana and across other states as well," she said.

Availability can depend on which manufacturer a health-care provider ordered from; some are shipping their supplies faster than others. Another factor may be the relatively small size of the Montana market, she said.

"Some large chain stores and pharmacies have already received their vaccine and have been able to offer flu shots," Burgett said. "Do understand that those doses were received under large independent contracts with the manufacturer. This is a business decision made between the private contractor and the manufacturer."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70 million doses of flu vaccine are expected to be available in the United States this year.

Burgett recommended that Montanans watch their local newspapers for flu vaccine clinics or periodically check with their physician or local health department to find out about vaccine availability.

"We've been fortunate in that we haven't had a known case of flu in Montana yet this year," she said. "Generally, flu cases peak in Montana in January or February, so it's not too late to get your flu shot in November, December, or even January. In the meantime, there are other measures you can take to protect yourself from the flu."

Burgett recommended:
- Washing your hands frequently, particularly when you come home from an outing;
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve;
- Staying home from work, school, and large events when you�re sick, to prevent the spread of viral illnesses to others;
- Eating well-balanced meals;
- Getting enough rest; and
- Getting a flu shot, as soon as it's available.

For more information about flu shots, contact your local health department or the State Immunization Program at 406-444-5580.

Volunteers wanted for Father Ravalli Park project

The Town of Stevensville has been approved for a new play structure located at Father Ravalli Park. Tonya Smith, project chairperson, is asking community members to join in this effort. The completion date for this project is May 2006. The committee is applying for grants, and will be asking for donations and doing fund-raising. The goal is to raise $40,000. Material donations of sand, wood, and cement are also needed. If you are able to help with labor and/or materials, contact Tonya Smith at tonyam239@yahoo.com, 239-9431, or 777-1120.

Donations may be sent to: Stevensville Civic Club, P.O. Box 676, Stevensville, MT 59870 (for Play Structure at Father Ravalli Park) Look for information table on Main Street during First Fridays. You will get a chance to see the play structure, ask questions, and make donations. Bring your fund-raising ideas with you!

Births

Births at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton

10-27-05
Boy, 6 lbs., 6 oz. 20 inches, to Albert and Sheni Leonard, Stevensville

10-28-05
Girl, 6 lbs., 14 oz., 19 inches, to Joseph and Kristen Jessop, Hamilton

10-31-05
Girl, 8 lbs., 1 oz., 19-1/2 inches, to Brad and Brenda Kelsey, Hamilton

Obituaries

Gwen Powell

Gwen Powell, 86, longtime resident of Stevensville, died at Kathy's Place in Florence on Monday, November 7, 2005. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, November 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church. The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.

Mike Pallesi

Mike Pallesi, 47, of Stevensville went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 4, 2005.

Mike was born in Fresno, California on February 4, 1958 to Fred and Penny (Lancaster) Pallesi. He grew up in Kerman, California, graduating from Kerman High School in 1976. He began working as a meat cutter in the family business and later worked in sales at Farmer John Meats and for John Morrell.

In 1995, Mike moved his family to Stevensville to begin a career with Globe Pequot Press and became a field sales manager.

Mike married the love of his life, Gena Yarbrough, and together they raised their family. He was a very involved father, and coached his children's baseball teams for many years. He enjoyed spending his time watching wrestling and football. He was the 49'ers #1 fan. He loved to celebrate Christmas with many extravagant decorations and beautiful lights.

Mike loved living in Montana and established many close friendships. He had an outgoing personality, great sense of humor and quick wit. He loved his work and was loved and respected by his co-workers and friends. Mike was the world's greatest husband, father and uncle and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Penny Pallesi, and brother, Rick Pallesi.

Survivors include his wife Gena, son Jordan, daughter Allisa Bauer and two grandsons, Jaylen and Brayde Bauer, all of Stevensville; son Mike and granddaughter Giuliana of Topeka, KS; his father, Fred Pallesi; sisters Joyce Cardwell and Pattie Dyer and brother Larry Dyer. Also surviving is uncle Sam Pallesi; aunts Jean Pallesi and Christine Tench as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 12, at 1 p.m. at Stevensville First Baptist Church, corner of 4th and Church.

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