The Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Mountains Council, and the family of Joseph E. Lantz have created scholarships in memory of Joseph E. Lantz for high school seniors from Stevensville High School and Victor High School who plan to attend either a two-year or four-year accredited college. Home-school students within the Stevensville or Victor School Districts may also apply. The Knights of Columbus and the Lantz family will award two $500 scholarships this academic year (2004-05). Interested students at either of the two high schools can apply by getting an application from their school counselor. Home-school students should contact the school counselor at either of the high schools for an application.

New employer notice required

Effective March 10, 2005, federal law requires employers to notify employees of their rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and employers may meet this requirement by displaying the USERRA poster where they customarily place notices for employees. Posters are available at no cost to employers at the Bitterroot Job Service Workforce Center, 333 W. Main, Hamilton. Contact Kathleen at 375 6046 for more information. Internet access is also available starting March 10, 2005 at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/poster.pdf and employers may print the USERRA poster from this website.

NRCS funds available for forest health practices

In an effort to improve the health of Montana's four million acres of private, non industrial forestlands, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering financial assistance to landowners who implement conservation practices. NRCS has set aside $500,000 in its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for this effort and will fund applications based on established priorities. NRCS will accept applications for funding from March 28 through April 8, 2005, for the following conservation practices: € Thinning and slash disposal € Tree and shrub establishment including site preparation, planting, and protection € Hazardous fuels reduction and structure protection on a maximum of five acres € Construction of skid trails and landings using erosion control measures € Critical area planting using a majority of native grass species. "Our goal is to help landowners address forest health issues like pests, disease, and overcrowded trees," said Dave White, NRCS state conservationist. "Healthy forests can reduce the threat of fire, provide wildlife habitat, and improve forage values for agricultural producers." This special EQIP initiative will be conducted in partnership with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). DNRC staff will help to design practices, implement plans, and certify completed practices. According to DNRC State Forester Bob Harrington, ³This partnership takes off where the DNRC's Forest Land Enhancement Program left off. The combination of NRCS funds and DNRC's forestry expertise will provide even greater opportunities for landowners to develop and implement forest management plans. Working together, our agencies can be more effective in improving forest health on Montana's working lands." For more information about this special EQIP offer, contact your local NRCS office or visit the NRCS website at http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov/. Information about the Forest Land Enhancement Program is available on the DNRC website at http://dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/.

Prescribed burning at Metcalf Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is planning to prescribe burn this spring on the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. This project is a Habitat Management activity and is intended to restore marsh productivity to some of the impoundments on the Refuge.

The primary management objectives for this prescribed fire activity are to (1) reduce the area of marsh covered by cattails (about 30 acres), (2) increase marsh productivity by having the amount of open water matching aquatic vegetation in a 50:50 ratio, (3) reintroduce fire back into the ecosystem as a management tool, and (4) flood the ponds back to pre-burn water depths once burning is completed.

This project will promote effective Habitat Management that advances a healthy wetland community fulfilling the mission of the Service.

DNRC reminder about safe open burning

The spring wildfire season is off to an early start in Montana this year. Last week grass fires in Choteau and Phillips Counties burned 1,600 acres. With the annual open burning season statewide starting March 1, fire agencies across the state are bracing for what could be an active spring.

Local fire prevention agencies want to remind everyone that even though it is open burning season, people still need to be careful with fire. An escaped fire can destroy much more than just a little grass or brush, and you can be held responsible for damages and suppression costs resulting from an escaped fire.

Pat Cross, Prevention Specialist with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), urges people to take a few precautions before lighting any fire. "Make sure you have enough help and the proper tools to contain the fire, a water source and few shovels and rakes at the very least." Cross added that burners need to be aware of the weather. "A sudden increase in winds or even a shift in the direction can push a small fire out of control in a surprisingly short time."

Also, check to see what local regulations require in the way of permits, as some areas in Montana require burners to have a burn permit in hand. "If the dry conditions continue, many areas of the state may elect to ban all burning this spring, so check with your local fire protection agency before doing any burning," Cross stated.

For more information on safe burning contact the Ravalli County Sheriff's Department at 363-3033.

DNRC urges homeowners to prepare for fire season

In anticipation of the upcoming fire season, the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) is urging homeowners to take the precautionary steps now, in preparation for the summer fire season, with firewise landscaping and defensible zone activities on and around their homes.

Defensible space and firewise landscaping can create a line of defense against the threat of wildfire by creating a safety zone around a home. The goal is to break the chain of flammable fuels between the home and the surrounding forest. Defensible space reduces the wildfire threat by changing the characteristics of the adjacent vegetation.

"Fire season 2005 has already begun and we are urging people now to begin working around their homes to create defensible space," stated DNRC Fire Prevention Specialist, Pat Cross. "Now is the time of year when people take tools in hand and begin working in their yards. We are asking people to work not only in their yards but also on their property." According to Cross, there are many steps that homeowners can take now, such as cleaning roofs and gutters of debris, that make a big difference should a home be threatened by a wildfire. "As summer 2005 draws nearer, it is imperative those homeowners that live in the urban interface, or areas near forests, take precautionary steps to prevent a wildfire from destroying their home," stated Cross.

For more information about preparing your home for the upcoming fire season, log onto the following websites: http://dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/dnrcfiresite/, www.keepgreen.org, www.firewise.org, or www.extension.unr.edu/fire/frontpage.html. Or, contact your local DNRC office, Land or Unit Office, USDA Forest Service office or fire department.

Local fire protection money available

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has announced that applications for the 2005 VFA/RFA Grant Program are now being accepted. Applications for matching funds through the federally funded, Title II & IV, Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program (U.S. Forest Service) and the Rural Fire Assistance (RFA) program (U.S. Department of Interior agencies - Bureau of Land Management, Fish & Wildlife Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs) are due April 25, 2005. The cost share money is being made available to defray up to 90 percent of the cost of improving local fire protection.

According to Michael Wiederhold, Rural Fire Program Coordinator with DNRC's Forestry Division, single applications representing countywide fire organizations are required. Eligible applicants to be included are: fire departments, rural fire districts, fire service areas, volunteer fire companies or other fire service organizations in communities with populations of 10,000 or less. The maximum grant amount for a single applicant is $20,000. The single applications for a group of communities, i.e., countywide fire councils, countywide fire departments, etc., may have a total population of over 10,000.

The funding for the year 2005 VFA and RFA program is anticipated to be approximately $1 million and applications can be submitted for projects such as department or district organization and planning; fire prevention; fire training and fire equipment.

In 2004, this grant program received 74 applications requesting $2.2 million in funding. Seventy-Four grants were awarded, totaling the $1.2 million received from the Forest Service and Interior agencies. Construction or improvement of fire stations for housing fire equipment, normal operational expenses and maintenance do not qualify for VFA/RFA funds.

Details are available by contacting your local DNRC office, by calling 542-4206.

Business Briefs

Anderson Chiropractic & Fitness is pleased to announce its association with The Courthouse Sports & Fitness Club in Missoula at 3821 Stephens Avenue. ACE-certified personal trainer, Sandy Anderson, will be offering fitness and sports conditioning training to members and non-members at The CourtHouse in Missoula as well as at her fitness studio in the Bitterroot. Hourly rates, packages and individualized fitness plans are available. For more information call 777-3253, 239-4244, or The CourtHouse, 721-3940.

Students raise money for local cause

The Stevensville Junior High Student Council decided in light of the Tsunami disaster that our local people need help too. They decided to use the proceeds from a recent Chinese New Year dance to donate money to a needy family from Stevensville. They chose Ronnie Anderson who is without medical insurance to cover expenses she incurred while in the hospital for a month. She is well known for her skill in riding, managing, and care of horses. She has a caring attitude towards the youth of Stevensville who are involved in contests of horsemanship.

On March 3, the Executive Student Council members (Isaac Hunter, Rebecca Weidow, Sherry Walters, Kassidy Munson and Mariah Morgan) delivered a $150.00 check to Anderson at Stevensville Feed and Farm. The students talked with Anderson about her health. She said she is doing much better.

In continuation of civic pride, the Stevensville Junior High Student Council hopes to assist the members of the Bitterroot Valley Living Center during the month of April with Bingo activities.

Births

Births at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton

2-23-05
Girl, 8 lbs., 6 oz., 20-1/2 inches, to Frank Jr. and Angel McDonald, Darby

Obituaries

William 'Bill' Barrington

William "Bill" Barrington, 74 of Stevensville, died at Marcus Daly Palliative Care Center in Hamilton, on Tuesday, March 1, 2005.

Bill was born on August 1, 1930 in Madison, Nebraska and was the son of Melvin and Roma Irene (Shank) Barrington.

He graduated from Missoula County High School, and later married Mary Ann Caterino on June 10, 1950 in Missoula. He was employed at Firestone Tire, Bakke's, Conoco and Curran Construction in Missoula. He ranched in the Corvallis area a short time. Mary Ann and Bill moved to Stevensville in 1954 where Bill worked at Powell's Conoco and drove school bus route and athletic team bus. He operated a water truck for Washington Construction for several years, and he worked for Ravalli County Highway Department retiring in 1994.

Bill served four years in the National Guard. He was active in 4-H as a leader for 10 years and was a National Director for the Appaloosa Horse Club for six years. Bill was involved in raising, racing and showing Appaloosa horses for 38 years. He was an avid sportsman in his younger days and hunted elk, deer, pheasant, and ducks. He also liked stock car racing. Bill watched game shows on television and enjoyed high school, college and professional basketball and football.

Survivors include his wife Mary Ann of 55 years, and three daughters, Billie Ann Bishop, Michelle Williamson and Roma Moen, all residing in Arizona. Also surviving are four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospice Center or to the Bitterroot Humane Society.

A celebration of Bill's life was held at the Barrington residence on Friday, March 4, 2005.

The Whitesitt Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of arrangements.

Tom Darden

Tom Darden, 65, died Saturday at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Born in California, Tom was a long time resident and business owner of the Powder Keg Gun Shop in Florence, Montana and has lived in Scottsdale for the last 11 years with his wife of 29 years, Norma. Tom is survived by his wife Norma Darden; son Roger of Redding, CA; daughter Andrea of Surprise, AZ; brother James of Hesperia, CA; sisters Carolee Randall of Omaha, NE and Dixie Lee Moore of Las Vegas, NV; granddaughter Amanda Giles of Tempe, AZ and Krystle Darden of Redding CA and great granddaughter Hailey Giles and great grandson Corbin Giles of Tempe, AZ. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Services were held Saturday, March 5 at the Crystal Rose Funeral Home in Tolleson, Arizona.

As a U.S. Army Veteran with service during the Berlin Airlift, Tom will be interned with Honors at the Military Cemetery in Phoenix.

Woodrow 'Woody' Mahe

Woodrow "Woody" Wilson Mahe, 86, of Victor died at the Bitterroot Valley Living Center in Stevensville on Wednesday, March 2, 2005, of congestive heart failure.

He was born on June 10, 1918 at Grand Junction, Colorado and was the son of Joseph and Margaret Mahe. As a young man the family moved from Colorado, to Utah and then Vaughn, MT when he was a senior in high school.

The family moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1936. Woody enlisted in the Army Air Corps in May, 1941, and served as a Sergeant in the 83rd fighter squadron, 78th fighter group. He was honorably discharged in September, 1945.

On July 7, 1947, he married Lillian Clara Maki. The couple resided in the Victor area for 50 years. Lillian preceded him in death in 1997.

In September, 1998 he married Guernadine Boston. The couple lived in Victor for six months of the year and six months in Colorado.

Woody was a logger and worked for ACM Logging and S & W Mills until starting his own logging company with his son, Larry in 1973. He retired from logging in 1985. He was a member of Victor Masonic Lodge #43 and the BPOE in Hamilton. He was noted for his good sense of humor, his ever-present smile and his congenial attitude. He was actively involved in youth baseball and enjoyed all sports. In his retirement, he enjoyed his woodshop and making projects for his family and his own enjoyment.

Besides his wife Lillian, he was preceded in death by 10 of his brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife Guernadine, Littleton, CO; his sister Dorothy of Spokane; sons Gary of Sheridan, OR and Larry of Stevensville; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Memorial services were conducted at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville on Monday, March 7 with Rev. David Anderson officiating. Masonic Ritualistic Rites were by Masonic Lodge #43. Burial will be at a later date at the Victor Cemetery.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Aspen Hospice of Montana, 3972 Hwy. 93 N., Stevensville MT 59870.

Melvin Whiting

Melvin Ray Whiting, 59, of Stevensville, well known native of the Bitterroot, died on Thursday morning, March 3, 2005.

Mel was born to Alfred Reese and Eva (Harper) Whiting on June 28, 1945 in Hamilton.

He loved the valley, the people and spent most of his life here except for a short time he was on a building mission to the eastern states, and while he was in the Air Force stationed in Alaska. He also worked in Arizona and the Bozeman area. He was known for his hard work. Mel was self-employed, selling wood, building fence, masonry contracting, mechanic work and restoring tractors. His latest projects were bringing old tractors together for the Creamery Picnic Parade. He was president of the "Tired Iron Club."

Mel was known for his faith as a member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, holding many positions in the church throughout his life.

Survivors include his wife Lana of Stevensville; children: Tim Whiting, Rexburg, Idaho, Melissa (John) Sparks, Boise, Idaho, Johnathan Whiting, Provo, Utah, and stepchildren: Ronald (Vallery) Berneche of Price, Utah, Benjamin (Sonya) Berneche, Provo, Utah. Also surviving are sisters Evelyn (Jim) Baird and Alice (Lowell) Hale and brother Richard (Lorena) White, seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mel will be remembered for his sense of humor, his friendships and the courage he exhibited in the last years of his life.

Funeral services were conducted at the Church of Latter-Day Saints in Stevensville on Tuesday, March 8. Burial was at the Riverside Cemetery. A luncheon followed at the church.

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

Charles Kenyon

Charles "Chuck" Eugene Kenyon, 63, died on Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Discovery Care Centre in Hamilton.

He was born on April 17, 1941, at Las Animas, Colorado and was the son of Eugene and Ada (Harger) Kenyon.

Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963 where he was a Medical Corpsman until being honorably discharged in 1965.

He worked for the Colorado State University in the Veterinary Department as an animal caretaker, a post he held for 20 years. He was also a member of the Optimists Club where he held the office of Treasurer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Gary.

Survivors include a brother Larry Kenyon in Ft. Collins, CO and his sister Esther (Jack) Stark of Victor; nieces Michelle Goodman of Edmonds, WA, Kathy Murto of Butte and Jennifer Holmberg of Everett, WA and a nephew Landon Kam of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Memorial services will be conducted at the Church of the Nazarene in Victor with Pastor John Capen officiating on Friday, March 11, at 11 a.m.

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