The Ravalli County Environmental Health Department has received a grant from the Montana Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) to conduct a Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping Project. The Bitterroot Valley's groundwater is the sole source of drinking water for nearly 40,000 Ravalli County residents, including the drinking water supplies for the towns of Hamilton, Florence, Stevensville, Victor, Corvallis and Darby. The valley's groundwater also receives water from areas serviced by individual on-site wastewater treatment systems.

More than 75 percent of Ravalli County residents live in single-family homes with individual wells and septic systems. The cumulative impact of so many septic systems on small lots may play a part in water quality degradation. Ravalli County desperately needs scientific data to provide for more informed decisions involving water management planning and development. Decisions affecting the future of groundwater and surface water cannot be made without scientific understanding of the vulnerability of the resource.

The main goal of the project is to evaluate and map groundwater vulnerability in Ravalli County. After reviewing available data, including geology, soils, surface water, groundwater database information, topography, population distribution, pertinent cultural data, and aerial photography, maps will be produced delineating areas where groundwater is vulnerable to septic tank density and discharge and susceptible to degradation.

Long-term public benefits will include safer drinking water and improved water quality through reduced nutrient loading. The expected natural resource benefit from the project is protection of the valley's groundwater – the sole source of drinking water for the over 35,000 residents – and protection of the connected surface water (Bitterroot River and Clark Fork River).

Total funding for the project is $49,490 and was awarded through the DNRC's Reclamation and Development Grant Program (RDGP).

County to participate in riparian education campaign

The Ravalli County Environmental Health Department will participate in the launch of a multi-media campaign to increase public awareness of the important functions of native riparian vegetation. The collaborative project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act's Non-point Source Pollution section and administered by Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

Other collaborators in the project include Flathead Conservation District, the Missoula Valley Water Quality District, the Gallatin Local Water Quality District, the Lewis and Clark County Water Quality District, Lake County Environmental Health and the Montana Watercourse.

Riparian areas offer important protection for rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater. But because of urban development and the growing number of residences and septic systems and increasing amount storm water runoff and transportation infrastructure, riparian areas across Montana are being negatively impacted.

The Montana Governor's Taskforce for Riparian Protection, as well as statewide efforts from other groups such as Montana Watercourse, have been charged with educating citizens about the importance of these riparian resources.

The partners of the project will work together to develop a western Montana regional campaign emphasizing the importance of healthy native riparian vegetation for protecting water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and in preventing bank erosion and flooding. The partners submitted a grant request for $139,595 and received $120,000 of the requested funds.

County awarded grant for water protection plan

The Ravalli County Environmental Health Department (RCEHD) will receive a grant administered by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to update and implement an existing source water protection plan for the city of Hamilton.

The $75,000 grant will help pay for water testing in Hamilton's watershed; an education campaign focused on watershed and water quality issues, including placing more than a dozen signs indicating depth to groundwater; information and incentives for homeowners to properly maintain their septic systems; and a countywide hazardous materials collection event. Another $15,000 will come from DEQ's Source Water Protection Program to go toward hazardous material collection.

The first of its kind in Ravalli County, the household hazardous materials collection event will provide a means for county residents to safely dispose of hazardous liquids such as used motor oil, paints, solvents, and pesticides, as well as universal waste such as batteries and mercury-containing products like fluorescent light bulbs, thermostats and thermometers.

Safely and legally disposing of hazardous materials must be done through a licensed contractor, who normally charges according to number of barrels of liquid collected. For the past 10 years, nearby Missoula County has sponsored an annual hazardous materials collection event, paying for it mostly with money from a taxpayer-funded local water quality district.

Since voters in Ravalli County rejected creating a water quality district, the RCEHD sought funding through the grant, which is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act's Non-point Source Pollution section and administered by Montana DEQ. Among other things, the grant funds "groundwater restoration and education projects for highly susceptible public water supplies with an identified ground-water connection."

The project draws on part of a comprehensive Source Water Protection Plan developed in 2002 for Hamilton, Darby and Stevensville. The first phase of the project will entail updating and implementing Hamilton's portion of the plan. It will include conducting up to 50 well water samples at volunteer homes and businesses, issuing coupons for septic pumping, and placing up to 15 permanent signs marking the location of the water table.

According to RCEHD Director Lea Jordan, the strength of the project is its practical, community-minded approach.

"It's a pro-active project focusing on community outreach and on-the-ground actions," Jordan said, "and it will provide meaningful results in both the short term and long term."

Jordan praised the many advocates, whose letters of support helped persuade the review committee - City of Hamilton, Hamilton Public Schools, Rural Fire Departments, Ravalli County Board of Health, DEQ's Source Water Protection Program, and David Irwin.

The RCEHD will begin assembling a community task force in the next few weeks to plan the household hazardous materials collection event

For more information call the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department at 375-6565.

Feed Montana program launched

In Montana today there are 47,000 families that often skip meals or go to bed hungry. Over 310,000 Montana residents (30% of Montana's total population), including the elderly and young children, are at risk of food insecurity and hunger.

Montana Cattlemen's Association Foundation for Research, Education and Charity has organized the Grind-A-Cow program for cattle producers to donate beef to help feed our neighbors.

If you wish to donate a cow, bull, or steer, call the Montana Cattlemen's office at 406-259-5433 to make arrangements. Cash donations are also needed to help pay for costs associated with grinding and processing the beef.

Montana Cattlemen's Foundation will be working with the Montana Food Bank and others to distribute the hamburger throughout the state. Montana Cattlemen's Foundation plans to grind the first beef for this program on January 3, 2008.

For more information about the Grind-A-Cow program, call 406-259-5433, or e-mail mca@montanacattlemen.org. Montana Cattlemen's Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt charitable foundation. All contributions are fully deductible.

Mapping resources available online

Visit www.ravallicounty.mt.gov/planning/ZoningGISMapping.htm to view maps of each School District area in the County. Two sets of maps are now available online – base maps showing general information about each area, and color-coded maps showing existing parcel sizes (useful for understanding current density patterns throughout the County). These maps were created using Geographic Information Systems, a tool that is also being used to develop the Land Suitability Analysis. For more information on these concepts, view the Planning Department’s introductory presentation at www.ravallicounty.mt.gov/planning/documents/IntrotoLSA.pdf

County seeking input on Draft Zoning Regulations

Zoning regulations provide a “menu of options” to determine what land uses and densities apply to which zoning districts. What do you think about the existing draft? In the coming months, Clarion Associates – one of the County’s technical consulting firms – will be conducting revisions to the existing “Draft A” zoning regulations (http://www.ravallicounty.mt.gov/planning/documents/zoningregulations052307_002.pd) using input from Community Planning Committees (CPCs), agencies, and organizations, as well as their own professional recommendations (http://www.ravallicounty.mt.gov/planning/documents/DiagnosisofDraftARegs2008-01-11.pdf). You are encouraged to collaborate with your local CPC (http://www.ravallicounty.mt.gov/planning/ZoningWorkingGroups.htm) to provide feedback using this evaluation questionnaire (http://www.ravallicounty.mt.gov/planning/documents/EvaluateZoningRegs2008-01-10.doc) but any interested individual or group may submit a response. Feedback is due to the Planning Department by 5 p.m. on February 29.

Moerkerke named to Chairman's Council

Jim Moerkerke, Senior Vice President, Financial Consultant, Branch Manager at D.A. Davidson & Co. in Hamilton, has again been named to the firm's Chairman's Advisory Council.

Moerkerke joined D.A. Davidson & Co. in July 1981 with previous experience serving in the U.S. Army as platoon leader, executive officer, aide-de-camp, division radio officer and management analyst. Moerkerke holds a bachelor's degree in applied science and engineering from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY; a master's degree in procurement management from Webster College, St. Louis, MO; and the Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP) from the College for Financial Planning.

Founded in 1935, D.A. Davidson & Co. is a full-service investment firm with offices in 16 states. D.A. Davidson & Co. is owned by Davidson Companies, a Great Falls-based financial services holding company. Also part of Davidson Companies are Davidson Trust Co., a wealth management and trust company; Davidson Investment Advisors, a professional money management firm; Davidson Fixed Income Management, a registered investment adviser providing wealth management and other fixed income services; and Davidson Travel, a full-service travel agency.

For more information, contact Jacquie Burchard, Associate Vice President, Public Relations, Davidson Companies, at (406) 791-7465, or see www.dadavidson.com.

Rocky Mountain Bank welcomes Jeff Fuller

Danny Skarda, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Bank, recently welcomed Jeff Fuller as the bank’s vice president and business development officer at its Stevensville office.

“Jeff brings an incredible amount of experience to Rocky Mountain Bank,” Skarda said. “I know customers will appreciate his professionalism and attention to detail.”

His responsibilities include leadership, sales management, business development and community involvement for the office. Fuller has nine years of consumer banking experience with Wells Fargo and US Bank. For six of those nine years, he was a branch manager.

Fuller holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing and management from the University of Montana-Missoula.

Milless appointed to Board of Realty Regulations

The Board of Realty Regulations for the State of Montana has recently been expanded from a five-member board to a seven-member board. Larry Milless of Corvallis has recently been appointed by Governor Schweitzer to serve on this board through May of 2011. He will also be sitting on the Education Subcommittee and the Adjudication Subcommittee.

Larry has been a Realtor and property manager since 1998 and has been active in numerous state and local offices in the Realtor Association. He is currently President of the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors.

Bitterroot Composite Lumber Company update

The Bitterroot Composite Lumber Company (BCLC) has now had five informational meetings and has given out over 100 investor packets to interested people. Investors have begun placing money in the BCLC impound account, $30,000 so far, and over 25 people have committed to buying stock.

Bitterroot Composite Lumber, through their relationship with Strandex Company, is working with a group of companies that have produced a new coating for composite lumber.

“We are very excited about this process,” says Chief Operating Officer John Schneeberger. “It will provide enhanced stain, scratch, fade, and slip resistance, increases the fire rating and will likely decease production costs. It’s a real technological breakthrough.”

The next scheduled informational meeting will be in Darby on Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m. at the Darby Community Club House.

For more information, contact Corrine Gantt, 544-8586.

Stevi stage becomes Eagle project

Restoration of the Stevensville School multi-purpose room stage has become the Eagle Scout project for high school senior Brandon Fadely. The highest rank obtainable in the Boy Scout program, that of Eagle Scout, requires the fulfillment of many prerequisite levels of achievement before submitting a plan for approval for organizing hundreds of hours of volunteer assistance in accomplishing the project goal.

Having reached this final challenge, Brandon's goal is to upgrade the existing 50+-year-old Stevensville School stage, including replacing the badly worn and torn curtains and refinishing the stage floor. If possible, the sound and lighting systems could use major improvements as well. The new curtain alone will cost $3000, and the floor facelift will require $975. The electrical and sound work still sorely lacking would be above and beyond this modest goal, and will require licensed professional input.

There are several events scheduled to accomplish the task. First, a benefit fund raiser will be held at the aged facility on March 8 at 7 p.m. Talented volunteers, entertainers, musicians, and performers of all kinds are asked to contribute to the cause. Tickets to a performance at the Missoula Children's Theatre and a beautiful handmade quilt are among the auction items already contributed. Your valuable services, fine art and other quality items are welcome.

A donation of $10.00 per person to attend the performance will be collected at the door. Brandon's mother Mya's famous Fadely baked goods will be generously served, as always. If you haven't had the good fortune to taste her cinnamon rolls, bread or cookies at the Farmers Market, here's your opportunity.

Community workdays will be held in April when everyone's helping hands filled with tools and supplies for cleaning and painting as well as volunteer time and funds will be needed to restore the stage to its proper function. The two community workdays are Saturday, April 5 and Saturday, April 19. Anyone with skills, materials, strong back, hands and legs is welcome to attend one or the other or both. So, whether you can shake a leg or swing a hammer, contact Brandon at 777-2617 or email him at brandonfadely@yahoo.com.

Stevensville Notes

Kristine Marie Keeney of Stevensville is listed on the University of Wyoming's 2007 fall semester President's Honor Roll.

The President's Honor Roll consists of regularly enrolled undergraduates who earned a 4.0 ("A") grade point average for the semester. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for a minimum of l 2 credit hours taken for letter grades.

Obituaries

Frank W. Martin
1946-2008

Frank W. Martin, 61 of Florence, died at his home on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 after a prolonged illness.

He was born on September 14, 1946 in Modesto, CA to Lowell and Enid (Tash) Martin.

Frank graduated from Downey High School in Modesto, CA. He married Linda L. Vento in 1968 in Twain Harte, CA. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service after 31 years all on the Stanislaus National Forest, Summit Ranger District in North Central, CA. He also worked with the Search and Rescue in that area. Frank belonged to Snowmobile clubs in California.

His parents Lowell and Enid Martin and father-in-law Dana G. Lowenberg preceded him in death.

Frank is survived by his wife, Linda of Florence; son Valdis Martin of Soulsbyville, CA; daughter Corrie D. Martin, Florence; mother-in-law Helen A. Lowenberg of Jamestown, CA; sister Anita (Mel) Price, Florence; brothers Tom (JoAnn) Martin, Stevensville and Jan (Melanie) Martin, Don Pedro, CA; grandchildren Gabby Martin, Soulsbyville, CA and Chase and Angela Bovee, Florence.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, January 26, at the family home in Florence.

The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of cremation arrangements.

Kenneth Wages
1922-2008

Kenneth Dale Wages, 85, of Stevensville, passed away in the early hours on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital of natural causes. Dad fought hard to stay home and care for his wife Ruth. In his last months it was difficult for him to even get out of bed some days, but he kept his promise and kept her home.

He was born on August 24, 1922 in Brush, CO to Clarence F. and Mary E. (Brown) Wages. As a young boy he lived and schooled in Colorado, Nebraska and Montana, graduating from high school in Polson. He loved reading and claimed reading more than 10 books in a week. He had many stories of "high jinx" trapping, hunting and fishing during his school years.

On May 22, 1943 he married Ruth Marie Brown in Missoula. They lived in Oregon, Montana and Nebraska. Ken worked at Eddy's Bakery, the Forest Service, Bonner Sawmill, and he was a hunting outfitter and camp cook. He logged cedar on the Washington coast and logged the mountains of Montana. He was a cook at the Tin Cup Café in Darby and for a few years a restaurant owner.

Ken was a long time member of the Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association. His love of bluegrass music, campouts and attending many fiddle jam sessions equaled his love of fishing, camping, growing a garden and hunting. There were many fishing trips on the Blackfoot with family, friends and his best friend Will Pearson of 50 years. He spent many days in his boat on his favorite, Swan Lake, plus several fishing trips to Alaska and many lakes and rivers in other states. He also loved cooking and was pretty good at it, too.

He had many stories of growing up, had a quick wit, loved telling jokes and wasn't afraid to tell his opinion, whether you liked it or not. Dad will be dearly missed by those who loved and understood him.

His parents and brothers Wayne and Paul Wages preceded him.

Ken is survived by his wife Ruth Marie of 65 years, Stevensville; six children: Dean (Wanda) Wages, Polson, Jean (her late husband, Donald) Wengler, Hastings, NB, Joyce Wages, NC, Judy (Robert) Smedberg, Dallas, GA, David (Lynelle) Wages, Gillette, WY and Janet (Robert) Johnson, Stevensville. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one on the way.

Visitation will be held at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville on Monday, February 4 from 11 a.m. until service time. Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Ben Baker officiating. Burial will be at the Sunnyside Cemetery following services.

A reception will be held at Stevensville Baptist Church. Memorials are asked to the Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association.

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