The Bitterroot Star

by Bob Spitzer, Stevensville Lately, data centers have been appearing in the news almost as often as politicians, which means we should probably keep one hand on our wallets. A data center is essentially an enormous building filled with computers. We need them for banking, medical records, communications, the internet and artificial intelligence. I am not against technology.

by John Schneeberger, BCAG, Hamilton The Sustainable Living Systems, Bitterroot Climate Action Group adamantly opposes US Critical Mineral’s proposed plan for mineral exploration near Sheep Creek. Our organization is an ardent supporter of transitioning our energy sector towards renewable energy. Presently, technology, such a s wind and solar, relies on rare earth minerals like the ones to be harvested at the proposed Sheep Creek Mine.

by Judith Loring, Stevensville I have watched what has happened since the 1st executive order on 1/1/2025.

Corvallis School District #1 AUDIT PUBLICATION STATEMENT The financial and compliance audit for the Corvallis School District #1. Ravalli County, Montana has been conducted by WIPFLI. The audit report is for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Section 2-7-521, MCA requires this notice be published informing the public the audit report is on filed in its entirety and open to public inspection at the District Administration Office, 1151 Eastside Highway, Corvallis MT 59828.

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Jordan Cooper: Jordan Robert Cooper, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-26-377 Dept No.: HOWARD F. RECHT NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is a notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Jordan Robert Cooper to Jordan Robert Reiter. The hearing will be on October 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated August 31, 2026.

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIS C. PALMER, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2026-112 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cathleen Palmer has been appointed Personal  Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are  required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this  notice or said claims will be forever barred.

County Transportation Meeting The Ravalli County Transportation Committee will meet on the 24th day of September, 2026 at 1:00PM in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at the Administration Building (215 S 4th Street) in Hamilton. The purpose of this meeting will be to approve/make adjustments to school transportation routes and approve any individual transportation contracts for the 2026-27 school year.

Kyle J. Workman State Bar No. 65442127 Workman Law, PLLC P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840 T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt.com courts@workmanlawmt.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of LOUIS E. BUNGE JR., Deceased. Probate No. DR-41-2026-0000115-IT Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate.

Martin A. Lien Martin A. Lien, 96, of Hamilton, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Charlos Heights Community Church in Hamilton. Sharon Marie Sonterre Hamilton – Sharon Marie Sonterre, 84, of Hamilton passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at her home of natural causes. No formal services will be held.

Timothy Patrick Dowling, born December 22, 1953 passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026 surrounded by his family after an extended illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet, of 44 years; son Michael Patrick Dowling; daughter Meghan Reha Caraballo and son-in-law, Nicholas Caraballo; brother John W. Dowling IV (Theresa); sister Kathleen Dowling Stout; and numerous nieces and nephews. Tim was born to Helen “Peggy” Margaret Carrigan Dowling and John “Jack” W.