Volume XX, Number 52

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Historic Daly Mansion is undergoing a major interior renovation project. Michael Howell photo.

Book on Salish L&C experience released

By Michael Howell

For the first time a Native American community offers an in-depth examination of the events and historical significance of their encounter with the Lewis and Clark expedition. The result is a new understanding of the expedition and its place in the wider context of Native history. The University of Nebraska Press announces the publication of "The Salish People and the Lewis and Clark Expedition," by the Salish-Pend d'Oreille Culture Committee and Elders Cultural Advisory Council, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. More...

Bitterroot Resort plan going forward

Developers hope to influence Forest Plan revision

By Michael Howell

The day before the U.S. Forest Service held a meeting in Missoula to consider proposed changes to the management plan for the Lolo National Forest, owner of the proposed Bitterroot Resort, Tom Maclay, held a media tour on his ranch north of Florence, to give reporters a close up view of the ski trail development already accomplished there. He plans for the Bitterroot Resort to begin offering guided cat-skiing tours this winter. He is also going gung-ho on the rest of his proposed four season recreational resort development. For this reason he is very keen on seeing some changes in the management plan for the Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests that would allow expansion of his ski lifts and trails to the top of Lolo Peak and along Carlton Ridge. Maclay applied last fall for a permit to establish the ski lifts and trails but was denied because it was not permitted under the land use designations in the area under the current management plans on the two forests involved. More...

Use of chemicals at schools under scrutiny

By Michael Howell

Local wildlife rehabilitator Judy Hoy was strongly affected a few years ago by exposure to a pesticide-treated lawn at the Corvallis school where she was giving a demonstration for the kids. This year, when she heard from a friend that the Stevensville school grounds had been sprayed with pesticides and that her friend's child had become ill, she decided to complain to the County Health Board. As a result, the Ravalli County Board of Health has instructed the Director of the Environmental Health Department, Theresa Blazicevich, to investigate the various school district practices concerning the use of pesticides and investigate the alleged spraying incident at the Stevensville school. More...

Earthquake felt in valley

By Michael Howell

A strong tremor was felt by many in the Bitterroot Monday night. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale was recorded at 10:08 p.m. The quake epicenter was about 12 miles northwest of Dillon. More...