Volume XXI, Number 18

Wednesday, December 7, 2005

Above: The annual Parade of Lights in Stevensville last Friday evening once again culminated in a Living Nativity in the center of downtown. Participants braved the typically wintery weather to enjoy caroling and fellowship. The event is sponsored by the Stevensville Civic Club and local churches. Jean Schurman photo.

Right: Dr. Joyce Mphande-Finn of Stevensville is the recipient of the Governor's World AIDS Day Recognition Award for her efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention.

Burns vows to halt refuge 'complexing'

By Michael Howell

Senator Conrad Burns has announced that he will oppose the decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to combine the administration and supervision of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, at Stevensville, with the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge, near Great Falls. The decision, recently announced by USFWS Region 6 officials, would place supervisory and administrative control of the Metcalf Refuge in the hands of Benton Lake Refuge director Dave Gillund. That decision was to become effective on January 1, 2006. But, according to Burns' public relations director James P. Pendleton, Senator Burns is going to see that the decision is rescinded. More...

USFWS to fund study of car rip rap

By Michael Howell

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge officials told the Bitterroot Star on Monday that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has approved funding for a preliminary study of the present situation involving old car bodies used as rip rap and in the construction of a levee along the banks of the Bitterroot River along the Metcalf Refuge northwestern boundary, to the tune of $35,700. The money would be used to do some water quality tests and soil sampling in the area to determine the nature and extent of any contamination, to map the car bodies and parts along the river, and identify potential responsible parties. More...

Concern brewing over proposed development

Community meeting set for December 13 at Lone Rock School

By Michael Howell

The preapplication work being done on a proposed 500-plus-lot development north of Stevensville and adjacent to the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, described in last week's Bitterroot Star, has provoked a corresponding preapplication effort by concerned citizens to get involved in the process. More...

Citizens' group presents senator with petition results

On Wednesday, November 30, Friends of Lolo Peak presented Senator Conrad Burns with the latest results of an ongoing petition drive that has gathered 2500 signatures to date supporting the conservation of Carlton Ridge and Lolo Peak in its current undeveloped state. Gathered throughout the Missoula and Bitterroot Valleys, the signatures represent widespread support for the public lands of the Lolo Peak area that are currently threatened with large-scale development by the Bitterroot Resort. More...

Stevi woman honored for AIDS work

Joyce Mphande-Finn of Stevensville is the recipient of the Governor's World AIDS Day Recognition Award for her efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention work. This annual award goes to individuals throughout Montana that have made a difference in the fight against the HIV epidemic. Mphande-Finn was nominated by Kathy Mackay. The award was given on behalf of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS). More...

County declares Meridian Road a public roadway

Routine maintenance resumed

By Michael Howell

Faced with complaints and controversy after proposing some road improvements along Meridian Road that raised questions about the county's authority, the County Commissioners suspended maintenance operations on the road. On Monday, however, following the recommendations of County Road and Bridge Supervisor David Ohnstad, the Commissioners resolved that Meridian Road is a county operated public roadway and voted to resume routine roadway operations and maintenance of the road. More...