…And for these reasons, I place this class of Suffolk breeding ewes: four, two, one, three. Flashbacks to KMON judging competition, 1985. I like to blame my mediocre judging skills on the tightness of my 501’s at the time, but it was more likely that I simply wasn’t as prepared as I should have been. Preparedness is not a problem for the 2007 Stevensville Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter. These young men and women were at the top of their game at the most recent State FFA Convention in Billings. They brought home a total of nineteen awards, including three top awards: Star Greenhand, Star Ag Placement, and Extemporaneous Speaking.

Ramey Lunceford, Ag Instructor and FFA advisor at SHS, tells me that the Star Greenhand Award has not only never been awarded to anyone in this chapter, but has never been won by anyone in our state FFA district (there are eight districts).

"This is a big one," he says proudly of Laura Frazee’s recent achievement. The Official FFA Manual states that the Star Greenhand is the "chapter’s most active first-year member who has a strong supervised agriculture experience (SAE) program and has demonstrated leadership…" This award also gives her a chance to advance to the National FFA Convention later this year.

As Laura recites the three-paragraph FFA creed to me from memory (one of her tasks for competition), she looks me directly in the eye. I am encouraged.

"I believe in the future of agriculture," the creed begins. How exciting that there are freshmen in high school who recognize that believing in agriculture is paramount to our very survival. Laura, we put the hope of our agricultural future in your green hands.

When I arrive, the FFA meeting is already in session. The "old hands" are in charge; they use Robert’s Rules of Order with stunning ease. Ben Ralls stands at the portable podium with a gavel in his reach. He is the chapter president and a graduating senior. Ben’s comfortable in front of this group and he seems to be their revered "fearless leader." This is evidenced by the hush that falls over these highschoolers when he strikes the gavel on the podium to bring them to order. He has clearly earned the respect of his peers. Ben ran for a state FFA office at the recent competition. He endured five separate interviews at State: two individual interviews, one to determine his proficiency with current ag affairs, and two group interviews with the other 24 candidates. Ben’s SAE program centers around roping and riding—he calf ropes, he team ropes, and he rides broncs. He teaches both header horses and heeler horses how to do their jobs. Ben is planning to go to college in Havre at MSU Northern where the rodeo program is strong. But I didn’t find out any of these details on the night I visited the FFA meeting because when I spoke with several of the students afterwards, Ben didn’t seem anxious to talk about himself; instead he spoke of the others’ achievements. Such is the nature of good leadership.

Another leader in this group who stands out is Kelsey Pollman; she’s the chapter’s secretary and sits at a laptop next to Ben. She, too, recognizes the importance of a leader’s humility as she makes a case for freshmen to receive scholarships to attend Alumni Leadership Camp (ALC). Her argument is that seniors who go "are done this year" and can’t put what they might learn at ALC to use in the chapter. She has definitely put what she has learned in FFA to use. Kelsey placed in four different competitions at State (as well as receiving her State Degree): Sales and Service, Proficiency, Ag Placement and Extemporaneous Speaking. She was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Rocky Mountain College in Billings and she came home with $750 in prize money.

"What about the bling," reminds Janice Buck, FFA bus driver and Colleen Buck’s mother. The "bling" is a Montana Silversmith belt buckle with the FFA emblem, "Star State Placement" engraved on it, and a place for her name. Kelsey’s SAE involves her job at Wildlife Adventures in Victor where she wears a myriad of different hats. She exercises horses, she teaches folks how to ride, she helps out at horse camps. Kelsey refers to herself as a wrangler. She has wrangled herself a spot at Nationals in Indianapolis, where 50,000 FFA students gather for competitions and training and motivational guest speakers such as Terry Bradshaw.

Colleen Buck and Lukas Nentwig also came home with honors. "That’s Lukas with a ‘k’," he tells me before he explains how he placed 10th in Mechanics (where he had to show his knowledge of welding, motors, masonry, etc.) His Farm Business Management (FBM) team also placed at State.

"There are 100 questions," dealing with all aspects of running a farm as a business on the written FBM test, says Lukas. Colleen chimes in that the test is "three hours long." These two both received their State Degrees, as did six other seniors, which is akin to a "lifetime achievement award" for FFAers. Lukas and Colleen worked together on the FBM team. Colleen also placed in the individual Sales and Service competition with a water saving idea for flood irrigation systems using flexible pipe that creates spillways from one dam to the next.

There are eleven seniors in Stevi’s FFA chapter of sixty-five dues paying members. Ramey Lunceford explains that he will lose a quarter of his active members when the seniors graduate; students can be FFA members until they are 21 years old. He is particularly attached to this group because they were freshmen when he began teaching at Stevensville. Lunceford is not new to this program, although you wouldn’t know it judging by his palpable, youthful enthusiasm tonight. He received his own State Degree and served as a State FFA Sentinel in 1999 before graduating from SHS to attend college in Bozeman. During the meeting he stays still until his leadership is needed, at which time he jumps up, and with a captivating "cowboy voice," adds some bit of poignant information.

"This year seniors will be paired with freshmen." He is talking about one of the volunteer opportunities this chapter is involved in at the Meyer Ranch. During the Fourth Grade Farm Fair, an annual event for all valley fourth graders to learn about agriculture, the FFA students help run stations and direct traffic between stations. They also help the Meyer family to prepare beforehand.

Mr. L (as Lukas refers to him) puts a good deal of his life into this program and wants his students to learn the most they can in the years he will be close to them. He tells me he comes to school an hour early and leaves two hours late in order to facilitate FFA. His dedication and enthusiasm are catching. Ben Ralls says, "Mr. Lunceford sparks an interest in agriculture. He encouraged me to follow dreams that I might not have followed." Like running for state office. Ben didn’t win a state office, and although he says he was disappointed, he is not dwelling on it. Ben is on to other projects.

Perhaps he has learned the ultimate lesson that FFA teaches really doesn’t have to do with competition. It has to do with learning, cooperating, and with becoming a leader in the agricultural community at a time when leadership is showing the strains of age. Youthful people with fresh ideas who stay home or return to their home communities are desperately needed to revitalize the dwindling agricultural demographic all around us.

Come and support SHS FFA May 7th through the 11th (3:30 to 6 p.m.) for their Mother’s Day Plant Sale. They offer a variety of flower starts, raised by Lunceford’s horticulture class, for $1: bachelor buttons, marigolds, zinnias, snapdragons, and alyssum. For $2 each, they also have tomato and cantaloupe starts. Call 777-5481, ext. 141, for more information.

Teachers and community members who helped facilitate this chapter’s recent success, and who deserve thanks, include: Assistant Advisor Dianne Snedigar, Alex Offerdahl, Joyce Klingler, and Kevin Roebke.

DEQ seeks comments on Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Plan

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is encouraging Montanans who value clean water to review and comment on the department's new Draft 2007 Montana Nonpoint (NPS) Source Management Plan.

The 2007 Plan provides information on the sources and impacts of polluted runoff, identifies programs and resources that address diffuse pollution, identifies long term strategies for protecting or restoring impacted streams, lakes and wetlands, and describes the set of short-term (5-year) priority actions to ensure clean water. The public comment period lasts for 30 days, from April 6 through May 6, 2007.

Nonpoint source pollution comes from activities on the land that leads to pollutants in storm water runoff, snow melt and groundwater, and into streams and lakes. The most common pollutants are excessive soil and nutrients. These and other pollutants harm aquatic life, increase costs for water supplies, and impact recreation. Montana's citizens are both the source of the problem and the answer since they can control nonpoint source pollution through their actions and activities.

The DEQ has developed this plan with assistance from interested partners, to be used as both a background resource and a strategy for action. The NPS Plan addresses Montana's water resources (surface waters, wetlands & ground water), significant sources and impacts of nonpoint source pollution, specific actions to address the pollution, and priority actions to be accomplished over the next five years.

The Draft 2007 Montana Nonpoint Source Management Plan can be reviewed and comments made through the Nonpoint Source Program website. The site is located at www.deq.mt.gov. Hardcopies or CD's are available by contacting Angie Hayden, DEQ Administrative Assistant, at 406-444-6749 or ahayden@mt.gov.

Comments on the NPS Plan can be e-mailed directly from the website. Written comments can be sent to: Montana Department of Environmental Quality, PPA\WQPB, Attn: Angie Hayden, PO Box 200901, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, Helena MT 59620. Comments must be received by Sunday, May 6, 2007.

Trapper Bunkhouse Land Stewardship Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement released

The Bitterroot National Forest has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Trapper Bunkhouse Land Stewardship Project on the Darby Ranger District. The DEIS analyzes three alternatives. Alternative 1 is a no action alternative. Alternative 2 proposes to treat vegetation (trees and brush) commercially and non-commercially on approximately 4,761 acres by using prescribed fire, thinning, and harvesting trees with the majority of work being done in the wildland urban interface. Alternative 3 would treat vegetation commercially and non-commercially on 3,995 acres. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 would reduce fuels and thin to improve stand resiliency to fires and insects and disease. Both would generate revenues that could be used for stewardship projects, including non-commercial fuel reduction. Neither alternative would generate enough revenue to complete all the non-commercial fuel reduction and resource opportunities identified. Alternatives 2 and 3 have the same activities related to research, watershed improvements and other resource improvement opportunities.

Comments on the (DEIS) are due within 45 days from publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register and should be sent to the Forest Supervisor's Office, 1801 N. First, Hamilton MT 59840-3114. People that have been involved in the project and are on the mailing list will receive a compact disc (CD) of the DEIS. The documents are available for viewing at public libraries in Hamilton and Darby and on-line at http://www.fs.fed.us/rl/bitterroot/projects/

Additional CDs and summaries are available at the Darby Ranger District, 821-3913.

Stevi alumnus receives award

Jory M. Mickelson, a Stevensville High School graduate currently attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, has been awarded the Florence Kahn Memorial Award, named after noted Florida poet Florence Kahn. The award was given by the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. Each state has a poetry society and this is their national umbrella group. Jory is a member of the Washington Poets Association. The award is given once a year and it includes a $500 cash prize. Jory will attend the national convention in Oklahoma City, OK in June to give a reading of his work. The award includes the publication of 100 copies of his manuscript, which is called "On the Hinge." It will be published in June 2007.

According to Mickelson, most of the poems involve Nature's slow movement from winter into spring. The seasons are on the hinge, at that point where you keep thinking that it really could go either way. Are we in for another cold spell or is this really it?

Mickelson is a junior in the creative writing program at WWU. He is minoring in journalism.

Communities selected for Montana Main Street Affiliate Program

The Montana Department of Commerce has selected four communities to participate in a new opportunity for downtown revitalization called Montana Main Street Affiliate Program. The communities of Columbus, Sheridan, West Yellowstone and White Sulphur Springs will be the initial participants in the pilot program specifically designed to assist small, rural communities exploring downtown revitalization.

"Downtown revitalization is an important part of preserving the history and character of Montana's small communities," said Governor Brain Schweitzer. "Main Street is the heart of rural communities. It's a place for conversations and commerce, and the Main Street Affiliate Program will generate both."

"This Main Street Affiliate Program is formatted after our highly successful Main Street Program and we're very excited about assisting rural communities in downtown revitalization and significant economic development," said Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite.

The intent of the Affiliate Program is to make downtown development training and education available to a larger number of Montana communities. Communities with a population of 2,000 or less are targeted for the program. An affiliate community, no matter its size, is still eligible to apply as a fully designated Montana Main Street community.

The Affiliate Programs will receive Main Street 101 Training, a registration scholarship to the Annual National Main Streets Conference, a Main Street Library, consultation with and visits from the Montana Main Street staff, and an annual progress assessment on the anniversary of Affiliate selection.

The Affiliate Programs will, for their part, commit to improving their downtown commercial area, follow the Main Street Approach to downtown revitalization, actively participate in Montana Main Street activities, become a member of the National Main Street Network, and report key economic development statistics.

Columbus, Sheridan, West Yellowstone and White Sulphur Springs join the designated Main Street Programs in Stevensville, Butte, Libby, Anaconda, Polson, Red Lodge and Livingston.

In 2006, the designated programs saw a combined community investment valued at $5.5 million. The communities utilized over 5,500 volunteer hours and experienced a net gain of 45 new businesses and 115 new jobs.

Chantilly Theatre partners with high school

The Chantilly Theatre is pleased to announce a partnership with the Stevensville High School and its Liberal Arts Department. The partnership will allow students to participate in performances at the Chantilly Theatre in exchange for high school credit. As part of the Extended Studies program, high school students can benefit in costume, lighting and sound, set design and construction, and directing techniques. The program benefits both the Theatre which welcomes students with theatrical interest, and the high school curriculum. Opportunities will be made available to students during the selection of their fall classes and implemented during the fall semester.

Red Cross programs for students

In response to the tumultuous times in which we live, the American Red Cross has developed a comprehensive program to prepare and help students cope with manmade or natural disasters. The program is called "Masters of Disaster" and is structured for grade levels kindergarten through 12th grade. Developed in 1999 by a team of teachers, educators, and curriculum professionals, Masters of Disaster meets the National and State Education Standards. It is also designed to be incorporated directly into the student’s current curriculum so as teachers do not have to squeeze yet another item in the student’s already busy day.

A recent article in the Missoulian, discussed what Missoula school and law enforcement officials are learning from the Virginia Tech shootings. It highlighted a need for preparedness and emotional guidance that young people need in dealing with such tragedies. In response to the past year's tragedies, the Red Cross has developed programs to assist children to cope.

The Red Cross Missoula Service Center has announced an internship with the University of Montana that provides a student to assist the local Red Cross in helping incorporate these programs in our local schools. The information on the internship is posted on the internship services website and can be accessed via www.umt.edu/internships.

Masters of Disaster has three basic components: Disaster Preparation; In the Aftermath; and Facing Fear.

Disaster Preparation deals with potential natural hazards in our area such as earthquakes, wild fires, or floods. Through lessons, exercises, activities, and videos, this portion of the program teaches students about the possible disasters that Western Montanans could encounter, and how to be prepared for them. Teachers also guide students in making an emergency plan with their families.

In the Aftermath and Facing Fear students learn how to deal with the aftermath of the disaster and how it might make them feel emotionally. These portions help guide students through disastrous events, both natural and manmade, with structured activities that address the emotional aspects of such events.

For more information call the Missoula Office of the Red Cross, 549-6441.

Forest Supervisor detailed to Washington DC

Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Dave Bull has been asked to serve in an interim capacity as the Forest Service's national Director for Legislative Affairs. This temporary assignment will begin on April 29 and conclude in late July. Prior to coming to the Bitterroot NF in the summer of 2002, Bull was a member of this Legislative Affairs staff group.

During Bull's absence, Deputy Forest Supervisor Barry Paulson will serve as the Acting Forest Supervisor for the Bitterroot National Forest.

Corvallis American Legion Post 91

Corvallis American Legion Post #91 announces its election of officers and executive committeemen during its monthly post meeting held on the April 19.

Reelected to a one year term, starting July 1, 2007, was Doug Mason, commander, Roy Meyer, adjutant, Larry Johnson, chaplain, and Edna Nasca, sergeant at arms.

Elected to a one year term as new officers and executive committeemen, were Alex Ivanoff, 1st vice commander, Dick Sublette, 2nd vice commander, Frank Mason, finance officer, Dominic Farrenkopf, historian, and Ike Slaughter, Tom Devine, and Brent Grauerholz, executive committeemen.

For more information on the Corvallis American Legion Post #91, contact Doug Mason, Post Public Relations, at 546-4244 or email at Corvallispost91@aol.com.

Troop donations needed

Donations for our troops in the Middle East are now being accepted. The Ravalli County Republican Women's Club is sponsoring a Donation Drive to collect items servicemen and women could use to make their tours of duty a little easier. Suggested items include white socks, candy bars (all types, including chocolate), individually wrapped candies, phone cards, DVDs (movies, TV series such as Friends, 24, Scrubs, Lost, Seinfeld, etc.), and magazines. Monetary donations are welcome as well, to purchase items and to cover overseas shipping costs. Donations may be dropped off at Art Focus, 215 W. Main Street in Hamilton, from now until May 15. For more information call Colleen at 961-5581. Let's show our troops how much they're appreciated and supported back home.

Veterans' van available<

The DAV van is available to transport any veteran to a VA medical facility. Veterans must be ambulatory. The van makes daily trips to Fort Harrison, Missoula and Kalispell clinics and Great Falls clinic if needed. Veterans may also be transported to the airport or the bus station if needed. The service is free. For more information call Eric Wells, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 777-1136.

Births

Births at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton

4-11-07
Girl, 8 lbs., 20-1/2 inches, to Bruce and Mary Hoke, Victor

4-16-07
Girl, 5 lbs., 13 oz., 19-1/2 inches, to Austin Grauberger and Amanda Maxwell, Bozeman

Obituaries

Othel Bell
1916-2007

If ever a man loved the Lord, it was Othel Bell - Dad, Grampa and Grandpa-Grandpa. This quiet man with the glass eye passed on April 16, 2007 into the arms of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. He was the fifth of eight children born to Thomas and Julia Bell, near Mustang, Oklahoma on January 2, 1916.

His family were sharecroppers and moved around a lot in his early years but he spent a majority of his childhood in Oklahoma. He'd often recall fond memories of growing up in the Midwest and how his family had survived tornados, the Depression and even the loss of his eye when he was ten, due to a thistle.

Going to school meant walking long distances but sometimes he would ride a pony while his older brothers walked. He skipped the 6th grade but graduated from high school in 1934, and began looking for a job which was far and few between in those days. He moved to California by way of Arizona and wound up a sheet metal worker in Riverside, California. He worked at the Food Machinery Corporation during the war years making "ducks." His entire work life was sheet metal and he enjoyed working and creating with his hands.

In the mid-fifties he searched out his high school sweetheart with a classified ad in the local paper back in Oklahoma, never imagining she would ever see it. Her best friend did, and he ended up marrying the love of his life, Viola. After living in San Bernadino, California for some time, they decided to move to Montana and bought a motel. Hamilton's Ravalli Motel became their grubstake. Later they retired and settled in Stevensville in 1972.

His passions were God, gardening and stained glass. He and Viola were very active in the Light of the Valley Assembly of God Church in Stevensville. He made the stained glass for the new building and helped whenever needed. Most people remember Othel for the glorious garden he tended with such care just off Main Street in Stevensville. One thing you could always count on with Othel was his good nature and sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola in 1998; his seven brothers and one sister; and his son Marvin Lee. Also lost before him were granddaughters, Shannon Marie Hayworth and Terri Bell.

Survivors include a son, Virgil Bell, and many loved nieces and nephews. He became a father to Viola's two boys who became like sons to him, Roy (Rita) and Marvin (Linda) Hayworth. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Holly Olson, Kit Hayworth, Jeff Hayworth and Alice and Jennie and many great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Whitesitt Funeral Home on Friday, April 20, with Pastor Arthur Huwe officiating. Private internment was at the Riverside Cemetery.

Shel McLain
1970-2007

Shel A. McLain, 36, of Stevensville, died on Thursday, April 19, 2007 in Havre, Montana as a result of injuries in an auto accident.

He was born on December 31, 1970 at Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada and was the son of Charles Bruce and Ada McLain. Shel spent his early childhood in eastern Montana, where his father taught school. His father died when he was 9 years old. He and his brother George went to live with Delvin and Patty Mitchell.

Shel enjoyed playing basketball and coaching. He set himself a practice schedule and was determined to get a basketball scholarship. He graduated from Kellogg High School in Kellogg, ID in 1989. He attended the Masters College in California on a full basketball scholarship, later transferring to Northwest Nazarene, graduating in 1995. While there, he played in the National Tournament. He went on to play basketball professionally in Germany. Shel was lead coach and helped direct camps for NBC. He lived and attended community college in Spokane, WA, later attending graduate school at the University of Montana where he received a multi-disciplinary degree in psychology and business. Shel worked in sales for Western Heritage Insurance Marketing Group out of Great Falls.

Shel and Paula Pesch were married on June 18, 2006 at Bird Point in Alaska.

Shel was passionate about his family and loved spending time with them. He loved to sing and play his guitar. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He made 19 trips to Alaska. He was always involved with basketball, coaching, playing or watching.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include his wife, Paula, daughter Shilo Grace and stepson, Damon all of Stevensville; and daughter Faith of Missoula. He is also survived by his parents, Ada Metchewis in Canada and Delvin and Patty Mitchell, Coeur d'Alene; brothers Kim McLain of Raleigh, NC, Luther McLain of Calgary, Alberta, George McLain of Liberty Lake, WA, Mark Mitchell of Kearneyville, WV and Keith Mitchell of Coeur d'Alene, and a sister Leslie Mitchell, U.A.E. Dubai. Also surviving are nieces Sadie and Macy.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at Cornerstone Bible Church in Hamilton with Pastor Ted Jolley officiating. Shel's ashes will be spread in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

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

Angelina Larson
1928-2007

Angelina Gonzalez Larson, 78, of Stevensville died of a hemorrhage at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula on Wednesday, April 18, 2007. With her daughters at her bedside, she began a new journey.

She was born on August 8, 1928 at Bellflower, California to Refugio and Librada (Lopez) Gonzalez. Following Angelina's birth her family settled in the Bitterroot Valley. She graduated from Stevensville High School and later attended business school in Kansas City. She returned and married Charles W. Larson on March 10, 1952. Together they owned and operated Larson's IGA, and raised two daughters, Pam and Marguerite. Following the unexpected death of her husband in 1970, she later went to work for the US Forest Service accounting department until her retirement.

Angie's greatest joys were family, home and gardening, especially flowers. She was full of life and hope despite her many health challenges.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles, parents Refugio and Librada Gonzalez and siblings Carmen, Catalina, Peggy, Sophia, Joe and Dolores.

She is survived by her daughters Pamela (Bruce) Lockwood of Lolo and Marguerite (Mark) Unruh of Lakeside and special grandson, Cole Lockwood, Lolo. Also surviving are siblings Donna (Jim) Gandara, Simon (Dora) Gonzalez, Ray (Bennie) Gonzalez, brother-in-law Tom (Lois) Larson, sister-in-law Dorothy Ann (Russ) Lane and many special nieces and nephews.

A Christian Wake Service was held Sunday, April 22, at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville. Mass of Christian Burial was on April 23 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Stevensville, with Father Michael Smith officiating. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery. A reception was held at St. Mary's Family Center.

The family suggests memorials to the Humane Society or to St. Mary's Family Center.

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