The Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis has temporarily closed the 1.5-mile Teller trail system running along the Bitterroot River. In recent years, visitor requests to access the private Teller property have increased exponentially. Due to increased user conflicts that have arisen, the trail will be closed until a new management plan can be implemented in 2007. The Teller is a private, non-profit organization that promotes conservation through stewardship, education, and recreation on its 1,200 river bottom and agricultural acres near Corvallis.

In 2006, there were more than 2,500 user days on the Teller property, participating in all areas of Teller's mission. Walkers, wildlife watchers, and photographers visit the Teller Trail throughout much of the year. Hunters utilize designated areas of the property September through mid-January. School and university students, youth groups, and teachers visit in all seasons for field trips, research, and service learning projects. Lodging guests visit year round, with summer the busiest season. Volunteers, farmers, land management staff and contractors are at work daily on the land to maintain and enhance sustainable wildlife habitats.

"We realize the trail is an important resource for the community, and we want to continue to provide a benefit to those individuals who support our mission. We also have to remember that the Teller is private land, and we are charged with a mission of responsible land and wildlife stewardship," said Steve Powell, Teller's Advisory Board Chair.

The Teller staff is charged with coordinating all of the uses on the property, while assuring that habitat conservation goals are being met. It costs more than $25,000 each year to manage the public use component while maintaining sounds stewardship practices, and this funding that must be raised through charitable donations. In order to evaluate this increase in visitor requests and Teller's conservation goals, the Teller Board directed the staff to conduct an assessment of public use on Teller land. Due to use conflict issues, the Teller trail is closed until such time that proper management can be established and implemented.

"It is our hope that we can initiate a program that will engage trail users through our Volunteer Program and charitable giving. We want to be a good community partner, and we believe we can come up with a win-win situation through careful planning," said Amy Monteith, Teller's Community Outreach Coordinator.

"We are working on a plan that involves trail users in volunteer activities on the Teller, including maintenance and monitoring of the trail, so the community can be more connected to the place," Powell added.

The Teller must balance diverse mission goals with appropriate management that addresses both wildlife and human needs. The Teller thanks volunteers and supporters for their patience as these important and challenging management decisions are being made. In 2007, the Teller hopes to complete a recreation management plan that will maintain core programs for volunteers, supporters, and the public, while fulfilling habitat needs on the land. For more information and updates, visit the Teller website at www.tellerwildlife.org.

Adopt-A-Family program provides brighter holiday

Imagine how a parent must feel when they cannot give their child a holiday meal, tree or even a gift. To make a brighter holiday for these families, the employees of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital have teamed up with Daly Schools third, fourth and fifth graders and other Ravalli County businesses to adopt a total of 37 families this year. The Montana Adopt-A-Family program is administered by Janie White, Program Director, sponsored by Ark Ministries.

Marcus Daly employees sponsored 22 families. This holiday project was all about giving from the heart, stated Amy James-Linton, Marketing Director. "Departments worked together, having fun while gathering up the needs and wants of each family member," said James-Linton. Sherry Price, Marcus Daly Hospice Receptionist, stated, "Just to know how the hospital has come together to touch other's lives during this Christmas season, makes this a special place."

Within the hallways of the hospital employees reviewed the family wish lists. The wish lists included the gender and sizes of the family's children with both the child's wants and their needs. Each participating employee selected items from the list and included that child in their holiday shopping. Grocery cards and gift wrapping supplies were also purchased, to give the parents the opportunity to wrap and present the gifts to their children.

"I am so impressed with the family we are adopting, said Jan Fisher, Marcus Daly night nurse. "It is obvious by the needs and wants from the four children that this is a lovely family. We are going to shower this family with many wonderful things, including baked goodies to ensure that have a very Merry Christmas."

The Christmas wishes of children haven't changed that much, as employees throughout the county and Daly School kids picked out the traditional bikes, sleds, dolls and games for their adopted families, as well as household items and grocery gift cards. Starting Dec. 14, multiple Donaldson trucks were filled with gifts for delivery. This project gives to families in need and adds to the local economy by contributing thousands of dollars to local retailers.

"This program can really give a family some hope," stated program director Janie White. "I want to thank all of the businesses and volunteers who make this program a success and wish all of you a happy and healthy New Year!"

Adopt-A-Family participating businesses were Daly School, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, St. Paul's Church, Ravalli County Bank, Bitterroot Furniture, Hamilton Physical Therapy, GMAC Real Estate, By Owner Real Estate, Cornerstone Realty, First Security Bank, McDonalds, BJ's Restaurant, KFC, Albertsons, and the Szupnik Family.

Apply now for help with winter heat bills

The Human Resource Council (HRC) wants to let people in Missoula and Ravalli Counties know how easy it is to access tools to help manage your energy burden and budget.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) has been taking applications since October. Applications are available at HRC offices in Hamilton and Missoula, or call 728-3710 to receive one in the mail. Fill the application out completely and mail it back to the Missoula address shown on the last page of the application: 1801 S. Higgins.

LIEAP benefits can help with the cost of your heating fuel. Once you are found to be eligible, if you experience a furnace failure or an emergency with your heating delivery system, HRC can help with repairs.

Missoula Electric Co-op gives LIEAP eligible heating clients a discount once they qualify each heating season. NorthWestern Energy currently gives them large year round heating and lighting discounts, and Mountain Water gives them a monthly credit.

Once you are qualified for LIEAP, your home is put on a priority list for an energy audit and to have energy conservation measures installed. Each year you can get up to $50 worth of energy saving products which you can install in your home.

The LIEAP application is used to determine eligibility for NorthWestern Energy's $250 Challenge Grant for households whose income is too high for LIEAP benefits but at or below 185% of current federal limits; and for Missoula Electric Co-op's weatherization program which can help their heating customers.

HRC has a household resource specialist on staff who can help low and middle income households up to 200% of poverty plan to cover seasonal energy costs.

Quilt winner announced

Connie Voth of Missoula was the winner of a quilt that was handmade by Terri Henderson of Stevensville and raffled off by the Stevensville Historical Museum.

Nominations sought for Firefighter, Law Enforcement Officer of Year

Nominations are being solicited from spouses, friends, and relatives of Ravalli County firefighters and law enforcement officers for recognition as Firefighter and Law Enforcement Officer of 2006.

Nominations can be made by providing the name of the individual you wish to nominate along with the agency name and a brief justification as to why the person nominated should be selected. Also provide your name and phone number. Nomination forms can also be requested at the email address of ffleo2006@wildblue.net. Nominations can be sent to FF-LEO 2006 at PO Box 41, Corvallis MT 59828 or emailed to the above address. Those nominated will be recognized in the newspaper with one firefighter and one law enforcement officer being selected.

Child and Family Center seeking donations

The South Valley Child and Family Center (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) needs computer and office equipment for its offices and resource center. Needed are a copier, several computers with printers and keyboards, video and DVD player, two televisions and a stereo, all in good working condition. Also needed are two rolling TV carts and headphones. Donations are tax deductible and will go to providing Ravalli County with a resource and support center for the health and well-being of local children and their families. Call 363-5013 (South Valley Pediatrics - ask for Dr. Favara) to donate any of the above.

Town Pump, food banks raise record amount

Town Pump and the Town Pump Charitable Foundation, in partnership with food banks across Montana, raised a record $910,000 to help feed Montana's hungry. The local Pantry Partners this year received about $7,400, including a $3,000 grant.

The state total easily surpassed the $750,000 goal set for the recently concluded fundraising campaign.

"That's an extraordinary amount," said Maureen Kenneally, of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. "We are truly grateful to all Montanans who so generously contributed to the food bank fundraiser."

The total for the fifth annual "Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those in Need" campaign, which ended Nov. 30, included a $200,000 matching donation from the Foundation. Money was collected at Town Pump locations statewide, as well as 46 participating food banks in 44 communities.

The 2006 campaign raised $250,000 more than the previous year and brings the five-year total to more than $2.3 million for Montana food banks. The Town Pump Charitable Foundation has contributed $600,000 to the campaigns in those five years.

Sue Pearson of Pantry Partners said Town Pump's fundraiser is very important to Pantry Partners, especially during the holiday season. "We're busy this time of year, and Town Pump helps us through it."

Kenneally added, "We are especially pleased with the results of this year's campaign, given the progress in raising hunger awareness and increasing the funds available to feed our hungry neighbors."

New travel regulations

Starting January 23, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to present a valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. For more information or to apply for a passport, visit the State Department's travel website at travel.state.gov, or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Births

Births at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton

12-13-06
Girl, 7 lbs., 2 oz., 21 inches, to Allen and Gracie Steele, Corvallis

12-15-06
Boy, 6 lbs., 2 oz, 19-1/2 inches, to Cody Rowlan and Annie Martinez, Victor
Girl, 7 lbs., 1 oz, 21 inches, to Travis and Melissa Saville, Hamilton

12-19-06
Girl, 7 lbs., 8-1/2 oz., 20-1/2 inches, to Brad Allen and Samantha Bennett, Hamilton
Girl, 8 lbs., 1 oz., 20-3/4 inches, to Jamie and Rebecca Parker, Victor.

Obituaries

Victor Douglas, II
1927-2006

Victor Lacurgis Douglas, II, 79, of Victor, died at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula on Thursday, December 21, 2006.

He was born in Great Falls, November 28, 1927 to Victor L. and Rose Margaret (Viktora) Douglas. He attended schools in Great Falls and joined the Navy in 1945. He saw duty as a Fireman 1st Class on the minesweeper USS Opponent, in the Pacific theater.

After military service, Vic returned to live in the Lincoln, Montana area where he worked at many jobs; in ranching, mining, and logging, before taking over the Lincoln Stagecoach. He was a founder of the annual Lincoln Rodeo Association and a member of the volunteer fire department.

In June 1950, Vic and Frances Louise Shaw were married in the St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral in Helena. Seven of their nine children were born during their time in Lincoln. The family moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1965, where he was active in the LDS Church. He served in many callings, from Scoutmaster to High Councilman. For nine years he worked for the physical plant at the University of Montana. Frances died in 1974. Vic later married Betsy Blair Tveter in February 1975. One of Vic's priorities was Boy Scouts. He received his "65-year" pin several years ago. He also earned the Silver Beaver award and District Award of Merit in Ravalli County. For many summers he has been on staff at the Montana Youth Leadership Training Camp: Takaschin at Camp Arcola in the Big Hole.

From November 1993 to May 1995, Vick and Betsy served on a mission in Nevada, for the LDS Church, where they made many friends.

Vic was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances, and his oldest son, Victor L. Douglas IV.

He is survived by his wife Betsy of Victor, and eight children: Richard and Sheri (Gestring) Douglas, Gilbert and Debi (Wills) Douglas, Gregory and Cary (Faber) Douglas, and Curtis and Erin (Starr) Douglas, Molly (Donald) Verrue, and Marci (Denver) Bumgarner, Shelly (Steve) Westfall, Sara Douglas and one stepdaughter Blair (Duane) Lund. There are 26 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren that also survive him.

Funeral services were held at the Stevensville LDS Church on Wednesday, December 27 with Bishop Owen Robbins officiating. Burial followed at the Victor Cemetery with American Legion Post #94 presenting Military Honors.

William Ramey
1925-2006

William Earl Ramey, Jr., 81, died at his home in Stevensville on Friday, December 22, 2006.

He was born on February 14, 1925 in Cripple Creek, Colorado and was the son of William Earl and Marguerite (Lenz) Ramey.

He received his education at Stillwater, Oklahoma. In 1943 he entered the U.S. Army. Bill received the Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater ribbon and three Bronze Stars as well as the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1946.

Bill married Velma May Spiller on October 30, 1948 at Pawnee, Oklahoma. He worked for the USAF Civil Service in the NASA Apollo Space Program as a missile inspector. He was a member of VFW #1507 and enjoyed fishing and hunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Norma Case.

Bill is survived by his wife Velma of 58 years; children Vicki Reed in Carriere, Mississippi, Dennis Ramey of Florence and Lisa Jennings of Ponca City, OK; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville on Friday, December 29 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ben Baker officiating.

Crystal Landsness
1939-2006

Crystal Landsness, 67, of Florence, died at her home on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 after a valiant battle with cancer.

She was born on October 11, 1939 in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin to Jess and Alma (Lewis) Salmon.

She graduated with honors from high school and attended EMT nursing classes at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She married Thomas J. Landsness, Sr. on June 22, 1959. The couple were married 27 years until his death in 1981. They had five children together to which she devoted her life. She was a nurse and was truly born to be one. She also loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and painting.

Being a mother and grandmother was truly her greatest joy. The love and pride she had for all of her grandchildren cannot be expressed in words.

Crystal was preceded in death by both parents, her husband Thomas, a daughter and two sons.

She is survived by her son Robin (Lorraine) Landsness, daughter Betsy (Bill) Hanna of Florence, grandchildren Jess and Robin Landsness, Michael and Tami Waller, Missoula, Joshua and Luke Topp; Corey, Jeremiah, Billy and Thomas Hanna, all of Florence, Jamie Landsness, Missoula and great grandchildren Michaela, Cadence and Gavin Waller, Missoula.

A reception will be held at the Odd Fellows Hall in Florence on Thursday, December 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.

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

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