A petition is circulating to place the establishment of a local independent community college in the Bitterroot on the May 2020 ballot. Candy Lubansky, President of the Bitterroot College Advisory Council, said, “We are asking the community whether they would like us to pursue legislative establishment as a fully qualified, independent community college.” Lubansky said […]
Draft decision gives green light to dam repair in wilderness
The Bitterroot National Forest has issued a Draft Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Canyon Lake Dam Access for Repair Project. The decision would authorize the Canyon Creek Irrigation District (CCID) to access the dam by helicopter, making approximately 32 round trip helicopter flights and to airlift motorized equipment and heavy, […]
Stevensville council does some tweaking of proposed budget
The Stevensville Town Council made a few changes to Mayor Brandon Dewey’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year at its last meeting. Right out of the gate Councilor Steve Gibson made a motion to reduce the town’s water and sewer rates by 3% rather than make the 3% hike that the mayor was requesting. […]
Wildfowl Lane not to be ripped up…yet
Some of the residents living along Wildfowl Lane that runs north from Stevensville to the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge are relieved to hear that the road pavement is not going to be decommissioned. The asphalt on the road is in extremely bad repair and a couple of months ago, the County Commissioners considered tearing […]
County floodplain administrator fired following staff complaints
County Floodplain Administrator Brian Wilkinson was told to turn in his office keys last Friday after the County Commissioners voted unanimously to terminate his employment effective immediately. The decision came after a few hours of open discussion about a recent complaint lodged against Wilkinson by another employee and the subsequent investigation by the commissioners. Wilkinson […]
Stevi council approves grant for airport improvements
If no significant changes are made to the draft of an airport improvement grant, the mayor will be able to sign off on it and get moving on the project. The $1.56 million project grant requires a 10% match from the local government. The town plans on seeking half those matching funds through a separate […]
St. Mary’s Peak Lookout – cultural and economic asset
If you look up at St. Mary’s Peak from the valley floor around Stevensville on a clear day you can see a small cube-shaped dot protruding from the ridgeline at the mountain top. What you see is the St. Mary’s Lookout, the perch from which for decades dedicated individuals have scanned the surrounding forests for […]
Hamilton council discusses farmers market parking issues
Parking in Hamilton can be a thorny issue and conflicts over residential parking during the Farmer’s Market, which occupies portions of 3rd, 4th and State Streets on weekends in the summer, is an issue that has in the past led to angry outbursts and yelling matches. Not this time. Somehow Council President Travis Martinez was […]
Stevensville Council addresses lighting district assessments
At a special meeting on Sept. 5, the Stevensville Town Council approved lighting district assessments for Twin Creeks, Creekside and Peterson subdivisions but without the administration’s recommended 3% increase. Mayor Brandon Dewey proposed a 3% increase in the basic assessment to boost the reserve funds in the accounts based upon Finance Office Robert Underwood’s recommendation. […]
Scarecrow Festival scheduled
It’s that time of year again when all the scarecrows come and congregate in Stevensville. This year they will not only be lining the bike path leading into town, they will be hanging out in front of businesses, with a major gathering planned on the lawn at the Stevensville Hotel. The fourteenth annual Stevensville Scarecrow […]
Forest Service meets with objectors to Gold Butterfly project
Not much appeared to get resolved at a meeting between U.S. Forest Service officials and official “Objectors” to the Bitterroot National Forest’s Gold Butterfly Project last week. Time was the primary limiting factor. There were 19 official objectors and most had representatives present to discuss their issues and present some idea of potential resolution, but […]
Darby celebrates Sacajawea
There’s no question about it. The South Valley Civic Group has put Darby on the map. The town shines like a precious gem on the latest map of the Lewis and Clark Trail on display at the second annual celebration of Sacajawea’s passage through the Darby area in 1807 with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. […]