At their August 22 meeting, the Stevensville Town Council agreed to allow the placement of playground equipment in Father Ravalli Park. The council heard a proposal from Tonya Smith, who has already received approval of her idea from the Park Board, to place the equipment in the park. Smith said that she and other volunteers would do the fund raising and grant writing required to fund the project.

There was some discussion about fencing and other safety concerns. It was agreed that where the equipment was placed in the park was of some concern and the final decision in that regard would come after further consultation with the Park Board. Smith also informed the Council that their insurance carrier, MMIA, had given tentative approval of the equipment which she had identified for possible purchase since it met national standards. Her proposal was unanimously approved.

In other business the Council approved the installation of a well at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Cunningham at 306 College St. for irrigation purposes only. It will not be connected to the town's water system. The Cunninghams told the council that they own seven lots and were not able to water all the trees sufficiently on the city's designated hours.

The Council also considered a resolution for requiring installation of water meters at the time of a home sale or remodel. Town Attorney Bob Brown informed the Council that the proper procedure would be an amendment to the existing ordinance and not a resolution. The matter was tabled. A proposed amendment to the ordinance was placed on the next agenda.

The Council also discussed a proposal to require developers to hire an engineer of the Town's choice to review projects which require the Town's approval. Mayor Bill Meisner said that the County had adopted a similar policy and that it was needed in Town.

"I think it's something we need to do with the history of problems we've had," said Councilman Tom Brown. It was approved to place it on the next agenda.

The Council also heard from Town Attorney Bob Brown about the Obscenity Ordinance. Brown told the Council that it must place the proposed ordinance on the next ballot. He said that it was too late for the Council to consider adopting the ordinance to save the cost of an election because it would require 75 days to go through the required public process and that was not enough time before the election.

Councilman Gene Mim Mack said that an ordinance of this size, 38 pages, needs every bit of public review possible. He suggested that the Town sponsor an informational session to discuss the ordinance and provide an opportunity for the public to gain some understanding of it before the election.

The Council also agreed unanimously to make the scheduled pay increases and cost of living increases in employee salaries.

The Council also agreed that the mayor and department heads could begin soliciting bids to pave road cuts, pot holes and the city basketball court. After some discussion about the failure of the Airport Board to provide the Town with requested information, it was also agreed to include the airport paving work in the bid request.

Retired Building Inspector Bob McCormick has agreed to continue working after his resignation becomes effective on the 19th but only to issue building permits and do inspections. He refuses to handle any planning or zoning issues, however.

Chantilly Players gets grant

Chantilly Players, Inc. has been selected to receive a Montana Cultural Trust Grant through the Montana Arts Council. The purpose of this grant is to enable the theatre to hire an executive director to oversee the day-to-day operations. The Chantilly currently operates entirely on volunteer labor. Additional funds are necessary to match the grant and to complete the funding of the Executive Director position. Donations for this purpose may be sent to the Chantilly Theatre, attn. Executive Director Fund.

Position requirements include a general knowledge of theatre and non-profit organizations, and management skills. Send resume and letter of interest by Sept 30 to: Chantilly Theatre, 319 Main Street, Stevensville Montana 59870. For further information call 777-2722.

Info/referral service available

Need help locating assistance with food, housing, daycare, support groups or other human services? Call 211/First Call For Help.

211/First Call For Help is a telephone information and referral service. Trained staff can analyze your unique problems and provide information or refer you to the social services designed to meet your needs.

Call 211/First Call For Help between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

211/First Call For Help is a service of the Human Resource Council and United Way of Missoula County.

Health care professionals donate to schools

Local physicians and clinicians, in conjunction with Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, recently gave sports physicals to valley athletes. Not only were students preparing themselves for their sports, they were helping their schools' athletic budgets by having their physicals done at the event. All fees collected for the physicals are being donated back to the student's athletic department. Fees collected from the 176 athletes that attended the physicals brought in nearly $4,500 to be given back to the valley schools. Participating doctors included Drs. Larry Brouwer and Kathleen Harder Brouwer of Ravalli Family Medicine; Dr. Michael Moran and David Culp, FNP of Bitterroot Clinic; Drs. Fred Ilgenfritz and Luke Channer of Hamilton General Surgery; Dr. David Laraway of Hamilton Obstetrics and Gynecology; Dr. Marshall White of Bitterroot Gynecology and Drs. Walker Ashcraft and John Moreland of Physicians Clinic.

Dr. Larry Brouwer and Dr. Kathleen Harder-Brouwer started performing sports physicals and donating their fees to the schools a few years ago. This year, the group partnered with Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and area physicians to accommodate the growing number of students taking advantage of the physicals to help their schools. The event ran two evenings and was considered to be quite successful. Plans are being made to continue the service yearly to both athletes and school districts.

Red Cross disaster volunteer training

With forty-four Montana Red Cross volunteers already working in relief of Hurricane Katrina victims, the American Red Cross of Montana will stage a mass training across the state on Saturday, September 10 to qualify more individuals to respond to the needs of disaster victims. The trainings will take place in seven Red Cross offices across the state.

The effort is part of a nationwide Red Cross effort to train 40,000 more volunteers before November 30 to meet the long-term needs of Hurricane Katrina victims.

"This response will be going on for a long time," says Montana CEO Wil Huett, "and both the long time frame and the difficult conditions our volunteers will live and work in lead to the inescapable conclusion we need to be training more right now so they are ready to respond when our current group needs to come home."

A typical Red Cross disaster assignment is three weeks in length. Last fall during the hurricane season, sixty-nine Montana volunteers responded. Some of them accepted multiple assignments.

"Individuals who participate and complete the training on Saturday will be eligible for assignment in the next few weeks," says Mel Holtz, Director of Preparedness and Response for the Montana chapter. "We expect we will have more applicants than we can accommodate on Saturday, so advance registration and confirmation is required, but we will be doing additional trainings in the near future, so get your name on the waiting list at your nearest local office."

The 44 Montana volunteers who are already assisting are scattered along the Gulf Coast and some have moved with groups of victims who have been evacuated to locations outside the disaster area.

The training locations for Saturday include the Red Cross offices in Missoula at 1500 W. Broadway, Suite E, 549-6441.

"Courses taught will include the basics of Red Cross disaster response and skills needed in sheltering and caring for large groups of people, what we call mass care," says Holtz. "One of the first goals in any disaster relief operation is to get people out of mass care and back into their homes or other family-living arrangements as soon as possible. The sheer scope of this disaster will require mass care operations for longer than normal, so we will concentrate on those skills right now."

Nationally the American Red Cross has just announced the release of an online version of its "Introduction to Disaster Services" training course. "That's like Disaster 101," says Holtz. "It's a prerequisite for all our other trainings. It's long been a video driven self-study, and now it's even more convenient since interested individuals can take the training online on their own schedule." The online version may be accessed at www.redcross.org by clicking on the yellow Volunteer button.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross office or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Governor signs emergency proclamation for Guard

Governor Brian Schweitzer has signed an emergency proclamation, ensuring the availability of Montana's National Guard should they be called to assist in the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina.

"The Montana National Guard stands ready to assist with the catastrophe and will respond immediately if requested," said Governor Schweitzer. "This is a horrible catastrophe and Montana will help in every way we can."

General Randy Mosley added, "The Montana National Guard is working with our counterparts in the affected states and the National Guard Bureau to determine the types of units that may be needed to assist in the Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. There are no specific units or capabilities required of the Montana National Guard at this time. As with any emergency, we are conducting prudent planning and stand ready to respond to the call of Governor Schweitzer."

The Montana Guard has provided information to the National Guard Bureau about sandbags and helicopter related equipment to those working at the hurricane site.

Governors generally pull National Guard resources from states closest to the disaster first. National Guard resources from states further away are often called in at a later time for sustainment operations.

Water donated for Katrina evacuees; still taking donations

Governor Schweitzer and the Montana National Guard last week took donations of bottled water from hundreds of Montanans. Over two tons of water was loaded into a Chinook Helicopter and delivered to the disaster area to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"The response was amazing," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "The Montana tradition is to help your neighbor. Montana had a good harvest this year, and Louisiana didn't, we are reaching out, family to family, to help."

The Montana Food Bank Network and National Guard picked up the thousands of cases of remaining bottles of water, which was taken to the evacuees.

Schweitzer added, "From the bottom of my heart I thank everyone who helped fill that helicopter with water for our friends in need."

The Montana Food Bank Network in cooperation with America's Second Harvest (FEMA designated partner) is organizing donations of water and diapers. To donate contact the Montana Food Bank Network for instructions at 1-800-809-4752.

Home Resource raises money for Katrina relief

Home Resource's sales for Friday, September 2 totaled $906.50, all of which will go to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief. Home Resource encourages all businesses to follow the lead of the Hob Nob and support the relief effort.

State website provides info on ways to help Katrina evacuees

Governor Brian Schweitzer has announced a web site that will be updated with information on ways Montanans and state employees can help those affected by the tragic effects of Hurricane Katrina.

"When there are people in need, Montanans step up to the plate every time," Schweitzer said. "This is a way for people to find information on actions the state has taken and ways they can help our neighbors to the south."

The web site, http://governor.mt.gov/hottopics/hurricane.asp, is a clearinghouse of information on ways Montanans can help the victims - it can be reached through the state website, www.MT.gov. The site will be updated continually when more information is available.

Currently, the site has a message from Governor Schweitzer, links to the Red Cross, current press releases and information for state employees about volunteering.

The site will also have information on a one-time payroll deduction that state employees can elect to donate to either the American Red Cross or America's Second Harvest, a FEMA partner food bank network that is delivering food and water to the victims.

MSU pledges help for students, faculty displaced by Katrina

Colleges and universities across America are rushing to offer to aid to the many thousands of students and faculty displaced by Hurricane Katrina, including Montana State University.

MSU officials said today they will open the university's doors to displaced students and faculty from colleges and universities in the area affected by the hurricane.

"We welcome students, particularly Montana students attending school in the area, who would like to continue their education here during the transition," said MSU President Geoff Gamble.

He said MSU would offer assistance with tuition, housing and financial aid.

Classes began at MSU on Monday, Aug. 29.

He said the faculty members from affected institutions who may be interested in continuing their work at MSU facilities would also be received.

"The thoughts of all of us at Montana State University are with all affected by this devastating storm and its aftermath," Gamble said.

Gamble urged students and faculty from affected areas in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi interested in relocating their studies or scholarly work to MSU during the transition to contact the university's Office of Communications and Public Affairs at 406-994-4571. Their calls will be routed to the appropriate MSU department to handle the request.

DPHHS establishes donations hotline for Hurricane Katrina

The Department of Public Health and Human Services has implemented 1-800-237-5079 to provide information to Montanans interested in helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Individuals will be available to answer questions on how your donations can most effectively be made.

Although this disaster happened many miles away, its impacts have reached Montana. For individuals interested in making donations, this number has been established to assist you in utilizing the most efficient means to provide help.

1-800-237-5079 is available daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will remain operational as long as necessary.

Victor business sets up relief fund for Katrina animal victims

Animals' Apawthecary Co., a Victor-based manufacturer of natural pet care products, has set up a non-profit emergency relief organization to help with the care, shelter, and relocation of thousands of animals that remain injured or homeless in the wake of hurricane Katrina.

The fund, called Hurricane Katrina Animal Welfare Fund, is also intended to help the recovery of shelters and veterinary care services that have been directly impacted by the deadly storm.

"Right now there are thousands of injured, scared and displaced dogs, cats and other animals wandering amidst the chaos down there, with nothing to eat and almost nobody there to help them," says the fund's president, Mary Wulff. "But this isn't just about helping the animals themselves - it's about bringing people back together with their pets and putting animal care professionals back on their feet so they can endure the hard work they have ahead of them."

Wulff and her husband Greg Tilford founded Animals' Apawthecary in 1994, out of their love for animals and their wishes to provide healthy alternatives for pets and pet owners. In the years they have been in business they have written several books and articles on the subject of natural pet care and have become internationally recognized for their work as educators in the field of holistic veterinary medicine.

"To me, this effort is what the term holistic healing really means," says company CEO and fund treasurer Greg Tilford. "Those who love a dog or cat know how deeply these animals touch our lives. Right now there is a little old lady somewhere in New Orleans that has no family other than her lost cat. Somewhere in Biloxi there is a traumatized little boy who needs to cuddle his dog, but can't. People need their pets as much as their pets need them, especially when times are bad."

"Right now animal shelters and veterinary clinics remain underwater, dead and dying animals litter the streets, and the animal rescue people down there are overwhelmed," says Wulff. "Our intent is to do everything we can to assure that donations of money, food, and veterinary supplies are put directly into the hands of the people who need it for the care of animals, even if it means traveling down there to make personal deliveries."

The Hurricane Katrina Animal Welfare Fund is federally registered and is operated entirely by volunteer help. Donated money will be fully allocated and quickly delivered to animal rescue organizations, veterinary services and shelters that are working in direct response to Hurricane Katrina. The Fund will also accept and deliver funds that are intended to reach a specific relief effort or any of the veterinary professionals that have suffered loss in hard hit areas.

"Just write the name of the veterinarian or relief organization you want your money to go to at the bottom of the check, and provide us with their name, organization and address. We'll get 100% of your money to the people you specify, as fast as we can," says Tilford.

"A big part of the challenge is in identifying exactly what is needed from day to day and finding ways of getting it there," says Tilford. "We have been in touch with rescue personnel who tell us that travel into the area is very difficult and dangerous, fuel is very expensive and hard to find. We are hearing that donations of foods, medicines, and supplies may be more of a burden than a godsend if what we deliver isn't precisely what is needed."

You may donate money to the Hurricane Katrina Animal Welfare Fund at any branch of Farmers State Bank. However, if you wish to designate a specific recipient for your donation, such as veterinarian or a specific rescue effort in the disaster area, send your check or money order, along with the name and address of the intended recipient, to Hurricane Katrina Animal Welfare Fund, P.O. Box 1645, Hamilton MT 59840. If you wish to have a receipt returned to you, include a self addressed, stamped envelope.

To contact the Hurricane Katrina Animal Welfare Fund call 370-0699 or 961-8600.

Surplus fall turkey permits available

Over 100 surplus fall turkey permits for a portion of Ravalli County are now on sale at Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices around the state.

The permit, valid for either sex turkey September 1-January 1, can be used in the portion of Ravalli County lying west of the Bitterroot River and north of Tin Cup Creek.

Permits are free of charge and available only at FWP. To request a permit to be sent by mail, call the Missoula FWP office at 542-5500.

A conservation, upland game bird license, and fall turkey license is required for hunters from 15 to 61 years old before obtaining a surplus permit. A conservation and a fall turkey license are the only permit prerequisites for residents ages 12 to 14, 62 and older, and holders of a resident with a disability conservation license.

The state total combined bag limit of the spring and fall seasons cannot exceed two turkeys per hunter. Hunters may harvest only one either-sex turkey in the Ravalli County permit area during the fall season. See the Upland Game Bird Hunting Regulations for details on bag and possession limits.

Old Darby Road scheduled for improvements

The Road & Bridge Department will be performing minor improvements to Old Darby Road, from U.S. Highway 93 to Sleeping Child Road, beginning Monday, September 12 and continuing through the month. Work will include drainage system improvements, reclamation (clearing) of roadway easements, grading and reshaping of roadway surfaces, additional aggregate surfacing and the placement of traffic controls signs. Existing pavements will be scheduled for resurfacing at a later time. The intent is to provide for a more functional roadway while maintaining the historic alignment and the rustic character of the roadway.

Roadway users should expect potentially considerable traffic delays through the duration of the project, with several daylong roadway closures necessary to facilitate centerline culvert replacements. Alternative routes are recommended.

Old Darby Road was the historic route for travel between the communities of Grantsdale and Darby prior to the construction of U.S. Highway 93 and is currently classified as an agricultural access roadway. This project is a part of the Gravel Road Improvement Program established through the Ravalli Roads Management program adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 2004.

For further information on this project, contact the County Road & Bridge Department at 244 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton or by phone at 363-2733.

Local stallion places fifth at world show

Stevensville's Rebecca Dodge competed in the Select World Championship AQHA show at the Amarillo, Texas National Center August 30-September 4. Dodge was among nearly 1000 competitors participating in the show with her 3-year-old Palomino Quarter Horse stallion, Mr. Be Dazzled. Dazzled is owned and raised by Arlee Fairbanks of Stevensville.

The Select World Championship show is an invitational event that serves as a showcase for the top American Quarter Horse Amateur Select exhibitors worldwide. Competitors vie for 37 World Championship titles, as well as prizes and cash awards. Currently, there are more than 12,000 in the Amateur Select Division. The World show also offers a variety of social events, a trade show and a live music concert. Amarillo is the headquarters for the American Quarter Horse Association as well as the Heritage Center and Museum. AQHA employees host the event with a true southern hospitality, including wonderful free food and drinks, tours and even 4-wheeler transportation with a smile.

Dodge and her mother Arlee Fairbanks have been breeders of AQHA horses for over 40 years.

"What a thrill it is to have a foal that you raised stand in the top 5," said Fairbanks.

Victor Civic Club

By Louise Langton

The Victor Civic Club met on Thursday, August 4 at the Senior Center with Anita Drewien presiding.

There will be a membership drive for new members in the Victor community. It was decided to have a community potluck dinner on Saturday, September 10 at the Victor Park from 4 to 6 p.m. Angie Dobberstein will supply the meat. All those who wish to come should call Anita at 961-3037 to advise her what they will bring to the potluck dinner. Mason Kay delivered membership letters to downtown Victor business people.

Victor's Main Street will be seal coated in late May 2006. A letter was sent to the Ravalli County Commissioners to concentrate on development of Clark Street as an alternative to Railroad Way.

The next meeting of the Civic Club is Thursday, September 1 at the Senior Center.

Spotlight on Victor

By Louise Langton

Guests at Louise Langton's home were her cousins Mike and Judy (Duffield) Smith from Pennsylvania who are on their honeymoon. Mike is from Peck, Idaho and Judy grew up in San Diego, CA. She is a professor in a Pennsylvania college, and Mike is a long haul truck driver.

Gordon and Sally Babbitt, Groves, Texas, visited with old friends and classmates from Victor High School for several days.

Lolo Grenfell, Hamilton won the beautiful handmade butterfly quilt given by the Victor Garden Club on Sunday, August 28 at the Breakfast in the Park in Victor.

Buzz and Jannette Hale, from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, visited relatives in Stevensville and Victor in August.

Births

Births at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton

8-24-05
Boy, 7 lbs., 8 oz., 20 inches, to Jorge and Serina Enriquez, Victor
Girl, 6 lbs., 7 oz., 19 inches, to Adam and Katalin LaQue
Girl, 6 lbs., 9 oz., 19-1/2 inches, to Steve Rivera and Amanda Whitchurch, Hamilton

8-25-05
Boy, 8 lbs., 7 oz., 21 inches, to James Jones and Melody Demaras, Hamilton
Girl, 7 lbs., 7 oz., 20 inches, to Kelly and Holly Metzger, Hamilton.

Obituaries

Lucille Leavitt

Lucille Leavitt, 88, of Florence, died at the Bitterroot Valley Living Center in Stevensville on Monday, August 29, 2005.

She was born on February 3, 1917, at Wahoo, Nebraska and was the daughter of King and Bertha (Lipscomb) Leonard.

Lucille received her education in San Jose, CA graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. She married Walter Robison on December 6, 1936 in Las Vegas. He preceded her in death in 1968 in Las Vegas.

Lucille has resided in Thorton and Galt, California, Las Vegas, later moving to the Missoula Manor in 1995. In May, 2005 she moved Stevensville and the Bitterroot Valley Living Center. She worked as a sales clerk but mainly was a housewife.

Survivors include her children: Sharon Rheault of Las Vegas and Jim and Mary Ann Robison of Florence; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Memorial graveside services were held on Friday, September 2, 2005 at the Florence-Carlton Cemetery with Pastor David Blackwell officiating.

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