The third novel in a trilogy based on the adventurous and resourceful lives of several ancestors of author Rod Johnson of Great Falls in the Territorial and early statehood days of Montana titled "The Letter" in which a family copes with triumph and tragedy in its efforts to cross the continent by wagon train and establish a home in the Bitterroot Valley has been released by Stoneydale Press of Stevensville.

Officially titled "The Letter: A Family's Quest for a New Life in Western Montana," the book tells the story of Catherine and Champion Kinney, who came to Montana by wagon train in the 1860s and settled on Burnt Fork Creek in the Bitterroot Valley near the famed St. Mary's Mission and Fort Owen (now Stevensville) where Champion became one of the first freight haulers when Montana was still a Territory. He and Catherine were the founding pair of what became one of the Bitterroot Valley's most notable families. A letter Catherine receives in which she learns of tragic news serves as the foundation of the book.

It was in the Bitterroot Valley that Johnson grew up, attended Lone Rock elementary school and Stevensville High School and became fascinated with what little he could learn of the varying tales of his ancestors. Years of research and writing followed and the result comes through this trilogy of the pulsating novels about his pioneering Montana family whose lives dramatically inter-played with much of the Montana's early history.

Rod Johnson, who was born in 1932, grew up in the Bitterroot Valley where his two great grandfathers had homesteaded. After four years in the U.S. Air Force, he attended the University of Montana in Missoula, where he met his future wife, Shirley Ann Forsness. They were married in 1957 and subsequently had three children, two boys and a girl. Johnson then attended the Montana Highway Patrol Academy and served with the patrol two years in Glasgow and eight in Great Falls before becoming director of transportation for the Great Falls School District, where he worked for 16 years before retiring. He and his wife now live in Great Falls.

After retiring, Johnson pursued a writing career that has seen his work published in a number of national magazines and two earlier, well-received novels telling the stories of his great grandfathers, James B. Stuart in "Another Man's Gold" and Bruce Jones in "Express Rider." Both came to Montana in the 1860s and were among the earliest settlers in the Bitterroot Valley where they were among the first cattlemen in Montana. Stuart also was a vigilante and Bruce Jones an early lawman and express rider, contracted to haul gold from the diggings of early-day Montana to large population centers.

The bloodstream of Montana's early history surrounding its gold rush days and the settling of Montana's Bitterroot Valley flows in the veins of the author. His new novel completes his trilogy reflecting the stories of an incredible early-day Montana family. Names central to the region's history of white settlement in the 1860's are the foundation of his lineage: Stuart, Jones, Kinney and Blodgett are all names written on the landscape of the Bitterroot Valley.

"The Letter" was issued in 6x9-inch softcover format. It contains 208 pages and some two dozen illustrations by artist Lance Johnson of Billings, as well as several historic photographs of the individuals on which the story theme is based, including a stunning photograph of Catherine and Champion Kinney. Lance Johnson also did the original cover painting for the book, a scene taken from a chapter in which the family lost some horses to a raiding band of Blackfeet Indians. The book retails for $16.95 and is available at many bookstores, gift shops and other outlets, as well as direct from Stoneydale Press, 523 Main St., Stevensville MT 59870; phone 777-2729.

Rod Johnson book signings

Author Rod Johnson of Great Falls will be in Stevensville over the Creamery Picnic weekend to sign copies of his new book "The Letter" in which he fashions a tale in novel form about a pair of prominent early-day Stevensville residents who happened to be his ancestors - Catherine and Champion Kinney of the Burnt Fork area.

Johnson, whose earlier two novels "Another Man's Gold" and "Express Rider" focused on the adventures and exploits of his two great-grandfathers, who were early-day Stevensville residents, will be in the Creamery Picnic parade on the Stoneydale Press float celebrating authors whose books have local ties, and be available to sign books and visit about his new book at these locations:

Friday, Aug. 3 - Lewis and Clark Park, Stoneydale Press booth, 4 to 6 p.m., Valley Drug, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 4 - Lewis & Clark Park, Stoneydale Press booth, noon to 2 p.m.

More thunderstorms, more new fire starts

Twelve new starts showed up across the Bitterroot National Forest on Monday. The first, located in Clairmont Creek, was discovered early on Monday morning and was probably started by Sunday's lightning storm. The remaining 11 starts were generated by the storm that passed through the area late Monday afternoon and early Monday evening.

Monday's storm included strong winds and lightning, along with some light showers.

Initial attack forces have already contained many of the fires reported Sunday and were being dispatched on Monday to the new starts. Two additional 20-person initial attack crews from Alaska and one 8-person initial attack module from Arizona were expected to report to the Forest on Tuesday. An additional helicopter was also to arrive on Tuesday, bringing the fleet of helicopters available for fire support up to three.

None of the new starts that crews responded to on Monday were of any significant size. The Michael Fire remained at 60 acres in size and is considered contained. The Harlan Gulch fire remained at 35 acres and firefighters were on the scene working on the fire itself and watching for spot fires. The Harrington Ridge Wildland Fire Use fire in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness had grown to 100 acres on Monday and remained within prescriptions set by fire managers.

Five small fires burning in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness area are being managed as Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fires. In these cases, fire is determined to be a benefit to the resources in the immediate vicinity of the naturally occuring fire start, and fire managers monitor the fire activity carefully to ensure it burns within the parameters or prescriptions established for each WFU incident. As of Sunday evening, the Swet Cabin fire was less than 2 acres in size; the Harrington Mountain fire was approximately 1/4 acre in size; the Harrington Ridge fire was approximately 15 acres in size, and the Magruder Mountain fire was nearly 1/2 acre. The Magruder Mountain II fire was reported late last week but has not been active in the past few days. West Fork Ranger District fire manager Jacquie Parks encourages hikers who have plans to backpack in the Frank Church and in the Selway Bitterroots to be aware that from now through the end of summer, it is wise to check in with the Forest Service to learn about active fires that are burning in the backcountry.

Bitterroot National Forest spokeswoman Nan Christianson has received several calls about smoke in the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys. She reports that there are several large fires burning on the Payette National Forest in south-central Idaho and upper air flow patterns often bring smoke from fires in this area up through western Montana. There are also several large fires burning in Nevada and Utah which, depending on wind flows, could also contribute to local smoky conditions.

Christianson said, "It is likely we will continue to get a few new starts from Sunday's fire that pop up in the next day or two and we may see additional new starts as other storms pass through across our area. The last confirmed person-caused fire was the Little Bass fire, reported on July 7th. There's little we can do to prevent lightning starts but fire fighters and fire managers are very grateful that people are being as careful as they are not to add to the number of new fires."

Christianson encourages those interested in following fire activity on the Bitterroot to visit a new website where Bitterroot NF dispatchers are recording new starts and periodically updating the status of each of these fires on the Bitterroot National Forest website. One can visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/bitterroot/ then click on Fire & Aviation and follow the link to "Wildcad Bitterroot Incident Information" or simply add http://63.196.254.151/WildWeb/WCMT-BRC.htm to your favorites list and click on the link to "open incidents." Fires that grow beyond initial attack will continue to be summarized in more detail, daily, at www.inciweb.org.

For more information about the status of recent and new starts, visit the Bitteroot National Forest Dispatch Center website at http://63.196.254.151/WildWeb/WCMT-BRC.htm and follow the link to "open incidents."

The fire weather watch for Tuesday was similar to recent days and included warnings of potential thunderstorm activity coupled with high temperatures and dry conditions in the woods. Crews are continuing to fight the existing starts, and lookouts and air patrol are monitoring the Forest for any holdovers and additional new starts from the past days' storms.

Fire danger now extreme

Due to record levels of dryness across Montana forests, fire managers have elevated the wildfire danger risk to “extreme.” The potential for fire starts and rapid growth, as measured by indexes like “100-hour fuel moisture,” is unprecedented, according to the fire managers responsible for setting the wildfire risk level.

All current fires on the Lolo National Forest are lightning-caused, and fire managers are encouraged that the public is taking due precaution given the fire risk. A fire complex, from lightning last Friday evening, continues to burn near St. Regis, on the Superior Ranger District. A number of fire starts were detected near Rock Creek on the Missoula Ranger District from a lightning storm Sunday night.

The fires near Rock Creek are staffed, with a Type-II fire crew working at Ambrose Saddle along with helicopter support. Four retardant drops were also made at Ambrose Saddle, and the fire is holding steady at 2 acres.

The safety and lives of the firefighters depend on the public following the Stage I fire restrictions, in effect as of Saturday morning.

Fires burning near St. Regis

The St. Regis Complex consists of 7 fires located west of St. Regis. Most fires are in the range of 5-15 acres; the Fisher Fire is 60 acres in size. Total acres burning as of Monday was 110 acres with containment listed at 40%.

There are approximately 200 firefighters and support personnel assigned to the fires. These include Six Type II crews and two Type I (Hotshot) crews. A Type III Incident Management Team composed of Superior Ranger District personnel and other specialists is in charge of the fires.

Three helicopters are assigned to the complex; other air resources will be used as available. There are 8 engines and water tenders, one excavator and one skidgine

On Monday firefighters were securing firelines and working on mopping up entire fire perimeters. Line construction continued on the Fisher Fire. Aircraft was being used to drop water.

Stage I fire restrictions in effect

Stage I fire restrictions went into effect Saturday, July 14 in West-Central Montana. Stage I fire restrictions apply to campfires and smoking.

Specifically, at Stage I, campfires are prohibited unless they are in a designated campsite, which will be distinctively listed by the appropriate land management agency. In addition to the campfire restrictions, smoking is prohibited unless within an enclosed vehicle, building, or in an area 3 feet in diameter, that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

These restrictions apply to any lands outside of designated city limits, regardless of ownership. The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant long-term change in fire danger.

These restrictions apply to all state, federal, and private forested lands within the following counties: Ravalli, Mineral, Missoula, Powell (excluding the Helena National Forest), Granite, Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Butte-Silver Bow, a portion of Sanders County outside the Kootenai National Forest, and those portions of Flathead and Lake Counties lying within the Flathead Indian Reservation. These restrictions also apply to forested lands administered by the Lolo National Forest (excluding the Bob Marshall Wilderness), Bitterroot National Forest, portions of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest within the West-Central Montana Fire Restrictions Area, Bureau of Land Management, Montana DNRC Southwestern Land Office, Montana DNRC Northwestern Land Office (Plains Unit), Flathead Indian Reservation, Region 2 of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), and the US Fish & Wildlife Service (National Bison Range and Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge).

Fire officials also encourage industrial woods operators to observe "hoot-owl" work hours on a voluntary basis. Traditionally, hoot-owl hours are described as work done during the hours between 1 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On the Bitterroot National Forest, campfires are allowed where posted Designated Campfire Area - campfires or charcoal briquettes are only allowed in agency provided metal fire rings or metal grills. The Designated Campfire Area sites are:

Stevensville: Charles Waters Campground, Larry Creek Group Site, Gold Creek Campground, Blodgett Creek Campground,

Darby: Black Bear Campground, Schumaker Campground, Lake Como Recreation area (Upper Como Campground, picnic sites, Lower Campground, Rock Creek Campground)

Sula: Martin Creek Campground, Jennings Campground, Indian Trees Campground, Spring Gulch Campground, Warm Springs Campground, Crazy Creek Horse Camp, Crazy Creek Campground, East Fork Guard Station

West Fork (Montana, outside wilderness): Sam Billings Memorial Campground, Rombo Campground, Slate Creek Campground, Alta Campground, Fales Flat Group Area

Similar restrictions will be enforced on many other public and private lands in west central Montana. Contact the local agency officials for current restrictions in other areas.

Stage I Fire Restrictions will remain in effect until the fire danger significantly decreases. The following are exempt from the restrictions:

• Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act.

• Persons using a stove solely fueled by petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.

• Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

• Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Violators of the Stage I Fire Restrictions may face prosecution, including a $5000 fine and up to six months in jail. For more information on the restrictions on federal land call the Bitterroot National Forest at 363-7100. Ron Nicholas, Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator, may be contacted at 375-6655 with any questions concerning restrictions on private lands in the county. If you have questions concerning restrictions on state owned lands, call the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation office in Missoula at 542-4200.

Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services continues

The American Red Cross of Montana would like to remind service men and women and their families of the military services offered by the local Red Cross offices. For more than a century the Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) have assisted active-duty military personnel and their families.

"Every day, the Red Cross carries the joyful news of a birth, or the sad news of a death or illness of a family member, to service men and women worldwide, and often arrange emergency travel, enabling military families to be together," said Gayle Wilhelm, Western Region Director. "The long separations and stressful situations that occur when a service member deploys often place a serious emotional strain on families. The Red Cross links military personnel and their families through services which include confidential counseling as well as neutral, impartial assistance when and where needed, particularly during times of crisis at home."

"Community-based military members and their families are entitled to the same valuable Red Cross emergency services as full-time active duty personnel," said Bert Blyth, retired Navy and a long time Red Cross of Montana AFES. "When our local neighbors are mobilized or deployed with the services, including the Reserve or National Guard, the American Red Cross is there. We keep them in touch with their families at home, verify emergency leave information, secure emergency financial assistance and help families cope with separation when their loved ones are far from home in defense of our country."

The American Red Cross is there for all members of the Armed Forces. While serving 1.4 million active duty personnel and their immediate families, the Red Cross also reaches out to the more than 1.2 million members of the National Guard/Reserves and families that reside in nearly every community in Montana.

Active duty service members stationed in the the United States and their immediate family members may call the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Service Volunteer for help 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can reach an AFES volunteer by calling any local Red Cross office, or after hours contact 911 and dispatch will page the volunteer on-call. Overseas personnel stationed on military installations should call base or installation operators or the on-base Red Cross offices. With 13,107 volunteers serving in Red Cross chapters throughout the U.S. and on military installations worldwide and two local volunteers on call 24 hours a day, communications can be provided in an efficient manner to military installations, embassies and ships at sea around the world.

In 2006 local Montana volunteers assisted in 1,281 AFES calls or 3.5 calls per day. Nationally the Red Cross provided 648,136 emergency communication services worldwide. Information for family members may be obtained through your local Red Cross through the "Get to Know Us Program" community education program. Funding for American Red Cross assistance is paid for by donations from the American people.

Other ways to support our troops are:

"Help Our Troops Call Home"

program allows for the purchase of a AT&T Prepaid Phone Card for deployed U.S. troops. Calling cards can be purchased and sent to "any service member" who is deployed. To purchase a Prepaid Phone Card, visit the www.aafes.com or call 1-800-527-2345. Since the program began in December 2003, the American Red Cross deployed staff has distributed 28,342 calling cards to service members in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

"Gifts from the Homefront"

are gift certificates purchased by friends, families or groups which allows service members to purchase items at PX and BX facilities around the world. Certificates can be purchased on www.aafes.com or call 877-770-4438. "Gifts from the Homefront" is a safe alternative to traditional care packages that place unnecessary strain on the military mail system or jeopardize security. Since the beginning of the program, the Red Cross has distributed $154,513 in AAFES gift certificates.

The American Red Cross of Montana is a chartered chapter of American Red Cross. We are a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by our Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement. American Red Cross of Montana (ARC MT) provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. ARCMT has four Regional Service Areas (Eastern, Western, Southeastern, and Southwestern) working with the headquarters in Great Falls. The 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line is 1-800-722-6668. Donations can be given at your local office or on www.montanaredcross.org. The Missoula office phone is 549-6441.

Miles Community College grads

The 67th annual Miles Community College Commencement Exercises were held on Saturday, May 12, in the Kailey Gymnasium at the Centra Athletic Center. Former Miles Community College President Dr. C. Robert Bennett was the commencement speaker.

The Nurses Pinning Ceremony was held Friday, May 11 in the Miles Community College Kailey Gymnasium. Dr. Daniel Tailleur, Holy Rosary Hospital Family Practitioner was the ceremony speaker.

Graduates receiving Associate of Arts and/or Associate of Science degrees included: Joshua Blackwell (Florence); Daniel Reed (Corvallis), and Linda Hall (Darby).

Bitter Root TU challenges Bitterroot conservation groups

After the Bitter Root Water Forum announced receiving a $3,000 challenge grant from the Helena-based Cinnabar Foundation for general operating expenses, Bitter Root Chapter Trout Unlimited (BRTU) immediately met the challenge with a $1,500 matching donation for the Water Forum. Then, in a stunning act of both bravado and generosity, BRTU challenged other conservation-minded groups and businesses in the Bitterroot Valley to meet or exceed their matching donation.

"We have numerous conservation-oriented organizations and companies in the Bitterroot Valley with like-minded missions to preserve and protect our open lands, natural resources, fish and wildlife," stated Eddie Olwell, BRTU President. "BRTU recognizes the critical role the Water Forum plays in preserving and protecting water within our 2,814 square-mile watershed - water is a critical link that binds all these groups together. BRTU would like to see the Bitterroot Valley brotherhood of conservation groups and businesses join together and assist the Water Forum in their fundraising efforts."

No conservation groups were specifically named in the BRTU challenge, but there are many in the valley organized to protect natural resources, fish, and wildlife. Additionally, the challenge extends to businesses dependent on these same resources so vital to the local economy. Individuals or groups can also participate in the BRTU fundraising challenge. For every dollar received by the Water Forum between now and December 31, up to $3,000 will be matched 100 percent by the Cinnabar Foundation. The Water Forum must raise $3,000 in matching funds from individuals and organizations by the end of 2007 to remain eligible for the Cinnabar grant.

The Bitterroot Water Forum is the Valley's local watershed group striving to assure abundant, clean water for all valley inhabitants. All donations are tax deductible.

To make a community-based donation and for more information contact Laurie Riley, Executive Director, Bitter Root Water Forum, 375-2272 or email brwaterforum@bitterroot.net.

Stevi grad awarded Swede Schlesinger Scholarship

The Montana Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) is pleased to announce that Colleen Buck of Stevensville has been awarded the 2007 Swede Schlesinger Memorial Scholarship. A Stevensville High School graduate, Buck plans to pursue a degree in Agriculture Business from the University of Wyoming.

“I would like to thank the Schlesinger family, and the Montana Cattlemen’s Association for awarding this scholarship,” noted Buck. “Once I graduate I want to find a job in agriculture, hopefully working on a ranch. It is a huge relief to be able to use this scholarship to help pay for college up front, as opposed to taking on student loans to pay for my education.”

The Schlesinger Scolarship is available to any senior graduating from a Montana High School who is actively involved in the cattle industry. The scholarship is administered through the Montana Community Foundation in Helena.

“We had a number of outstanding students apply for the Schlesinger Scholarship this year. It was very difficult for the scholarship committee to narrow the field down to make a recommendation,” said Paul Ringling, MCA Schlesinger Scholarship Committee Chairman.

“I would like to congratulate Miss Buck and wish her the best down in Laramie,” continued Ringling. “On behalf of the Schlesinger Scolarship Committee, and the Montana Cattlemen’s Association I would also like to thank the Schlesinger family, and the Montana Community Foundation for administering the scholarship.”

For more information about the Swede Schlesinger Memorial Scholarship, contact the Montana Cattlemen’s Association at 406-259-5433, e-mail js@montanacattlemen.org, or visit the website at www.montanacattlemen.org.

Local student(s) graduate from Montana State University

Students from the following hometowns were among the 2,300 Montana State University graduates who received diplomas during commencement ceremonies held May 12 in Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

Greg Gianforte, president and chief executive officer of RightNow Technologies, delivered the charge to the graduates during Montana State University's 111th commencement.

Degree candidates included 2006-2007 academic year.

Students with two asterisks after their name (**) graduated with highest honors. To qualify to graduate with highest honors, students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.70. Students graduating with honors have a single asterisk (*) after their name. To qualify for graduation with honors, students must possess a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 to 3.69.

Corvallis: Kayla Ann Gieseke, Thaddeus Joseph Lesnik*, Patrick Andrew Roche

Darby: Christina Marie Musick*, Jennifer Brooke Paul

Florence: Kenneth Hunter Fichtler*, Michael Robert Hettick*, Jacob Colter Schroeder

Stevensville: Tyler David Cegler**, Elizabeth Louise Rooley, Kimberly Ann Rose*, Zoe Anna Travis*

Temporary road closure

Visitors are advised that Forest Road 640, on the Stevensville Ranger District, will be closed for up to 14 days beginning July 18, while the existing deficient bridge across the Three Mile creek is being replaced. The closure starts at mile point 9.0 (approx 4.5 miles from the end of the pavement) in the Three Mile Arasta Creek area.

Governor asks folks to create defensible space

Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation held a news conference and a demonstration on defensible space last week in Missoula.

“The one most likely to save your house in a wildfire is you," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “There are easy things you can do that will make a difference in the safety of your home.”

Almost a million acres burned in Montana in 2006 with the State incurring a cost of $60 million. Half of the fires were in wildland urban interface areas and those fires cost 50% more to fight due to structure protection. And as this year’s fire danger has rapidly increased – three weeks ahead of normal schedule – homeowners now play a vital role.

“Creating defensible space is very important,” State Forester Bob Harrington said. “I applaud the homeowners who take these steps to protect their homes; it really helps our state and local firefighters protect our communities.”

There are some easy steps folks can take to help protect their home:

• Clear branches away from the house and remove excess vegetation

• Pile your wood away from your home

• Keep the area around your house free from dried leaves and needles

• Keep your gutters clean and free from debris

For more ideas and information on defensible space visit: www.firewise.org.

DEQ issues warning about blue-green algae

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) warns people that they should use common sense and avoid areas of ponds or lakes that have unsightly algae. Recent hot, dry weather is triggering outbreaks, or blooms, of potentially toxic blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, reproduce rapidly in fresh water when the sunlight, temperature and nutrients are just right. Within a few days a clear lake, pond or ditch can become cloudy with algae growth. Potentially toxic blue-green algae can occur throughout Montana in any lake, reservoir, stock pond, or roadside ditch. Residential drinking water taken from a lake may also be affected. They normally are not found in rivers, streams, springs, irrigation canals, or wells.

A bloom often looks like bright green paint floating on the water, however it can also appear bluish, brownish or reddish green. It is made up of extremely small organisms that are very difficult to pick up or hold. They are usually suspended in water or formed into floating mats and can be several inches thick near the shoreline.

In most cases in Montana the algae is not toxic. Only certain species are capable of producing toxins, and even these species are harmless most of the time. But in their toxic form, blue-green algae can – and has – sickened or killed pets, waterfowl, and other animals including livestock. They can also cause serious illness in humans.

Signs of a toxic bloom may include large numbers of dead fish, water fowl or other animals, the sudden unexplained illness or death of a cat or dog, especially if it has algae on its mouth, legs or feet or a skin rash on humans after being in the water. There is no way to tell for sure if the water is toxic unless it is actually injected into an experimental laboratory animal. Harmless strains of potential toxin-producing algae look the same as deadly strains under a microscope.

If you suspect an algae bloom keep children, pets and livestock away from the area of contamination. The DEQ has posted a fact sheet about blue-green algae on its website at www.deq.mt.gov.

Weasel Creek area closure

Acting Forest Supervisor Barry Paulson has closed an area along Weasel Creek road to mineral exploration and crystal digging due to extensive digging on steep slopes and damage to vegetation. Within the closed area access will be allowed only on the Weasel Creek road or trail. The closed area is located on the Darby Ranger District in the Weasel Creek drainage approximately 20 miles northeast of Darby. The closure will be in effect until claim issues are resolved and rehabilitation is complete. For more information, call Betsy Ballard at 777-7421 or Chuck Oliver at 821-3913.

Feds fund two local projects

Montana's U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester have announced that $6.8 million has been set aside for Montana projects as part of a fiscal year 2008 spending bill for the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill.

Baucus and Tester said the fiscal year 2008 Labor HHS Appropriations Bill includes funds for the following local projects:

Hamilton - $300,000: Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital - to help build an emergency room

Darby - $100,000: Florence Prever Rosten Foundation (MAPS) program - to help educate students about information technology

Montana is also slated to receive $20.85 million in the fiscal year 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, according to Baucus and Tester. Local projects include $400,000 for the Daly Mansion Restoration, Hamilton: The funds will be used to help the historical preservation and cultural education associated with the Daly Mansion, and the Daly legacy.

Scarecrow Festival

The Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society is issuing a "Caw For Entries" in the 2nd Annual Stevensville Scarecrow Festival to be held October 5. The competition for prize money is open to Individuals, businesses, families, and organizations. A fee of $5 will be required for each entry, due no later than Monday, October 1. The public display of scarecrows will be held beginning with the Stevensville Main Street Association's monthly First Friday celebration and may remain on display throughout the following week, and may be removed no later than Saturday, October 13. A public selection by ballot will determine the first, second and third place winners of the Scarecrow Contest. Voting will be held at the Main Street information booth at 3rd and Main from 5 to 9 p.m., during Stevensville's First Friday events, Oct. 5. Winners will be notified by telephone and published in local newspapers. First place will receive $300, second place, $200 and third place, $100. For more information on entering the festival or becoming a sponsor, call Bury's Montana West Gallery, 777-3806.

Obituaries

Anita Louise Graham
1908-2007

The family of Anita Louise Graham of Florence is deeply saddened to announce the passing of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother on July 7, 2007. She left this world surrounded by her family at her home in Florence, Montana. Her loved ones grieve but they are grateful that she is finally free of the debilitating Parkinson's disease she has endured since 2002.

Anita came into this world as Anita Louise Andrews, the firstborn child of Thelma "Nana" and Howard "Champ" Andrews on August 19, 1937 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. In her youth her father's employment took the family from Arkansas to Indiana and finally to California. Anita graduated from Campbell High School in the San Jose Bay Area. She played softball and was an active member of Job's Daughters. At 19 she married Harold L. "Hal" Graham when he returned from a tour in the U.S. Navy off the coast of Korea. They were married for over 51 years. Anita and Hal lived in the San Jose area for most of the next 17 years, raising their four children: Mark (Nancy) Graham of Folsom, CA, Karen Graham of Galt, CA, Jennifer (Mike) Blachura of Stevensville, MT and Colton (Deborah) Graham of Florence, MT. In 1973, due to a job transfer, the family moved to Yuba City, California where Anita and Hal lived for the next 32 years. Hal will always remember his wife and life partner for her strength, character and kindness.

Anita spent the years until her youngest child was in high school as a homemaker. Her passions included vegetable and flower gardening, canning, cooking, keeping a tidy home and raising her children. She always succeeded in making a wonderful home for her family. She was also an accomplished seamstress and created many beautiful pieces for her daughters duplicating current fashions. She attended Yuba College to learn accounting, and then worked as a bookkeeper in Wheatland, CA, finally operating her own bookkeeping business until retirement. Later in life Hal took up motorcycle riding and Anita could often be found riding on the back of his Harley, including a trip from California to Montana and back.

Anita has always been deeply committed to her family and showed that once again as she cared for both her mother-in-law and her own mother in the last years of their lives. Sadly Anita was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease shortly before her own mother passed of the same malady. In 2005, Anita and Harold moved to Florence to live close to Colton and Jennifer as her Parkinson's continued to progress.

Though she will be missed, she remains forever in the hearts of her husband, her children, her eight grandchildren, one great grand baby, her brother and sister and all her extended family.

A celebration of Anita's life was held at Chapel of the Twin Cities, Yuba City, CA on July 14. Anita was laid to rest in Sutter Cemetery in Sutter, CA.

The family asks that donations in Anita's name be made to Aspen Hospice of Stevensville, MT 59870.

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

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