The Bitterroot Star

by John Dowd The Historic St. Mary’s Mission took the first step toward expanding its museum last week, unveiling plans for a new addition designed to house a significant stained-glass window and other artifacts that have outgrown the museum’s existing space. The nonprofit organization held a gathering July 9 to reveal the project after breaking ground earlier that morning.

by Mike Hudgins When Mike and Tari Conroy began talking about creating a bluegrass festival in 2009, they weren’t trying to build Montana’s biggest music event. They envisioned something much simpler: an old-time gathering where families camped together, musicians crowded around a single microphone on a rustic stage, and after the last scheduled act left the stage, the music carried on around campfires late into the night. Seventeen years later, that vision is coming to an end.

by Anne Millbrooke, Bozeman The journalist Molly Ivins once observed that politicians are goosey. This is an election year when politicians are particularly goosey. So… Goose ’em! Goose ’em with your presence at gatherings of people who agree on an issue. Goose ’em with petitions for a better, freer country. Goose ’em with your vote. The U.S. Constitution protects your rights, and mine, to assemble, petition, and vote. Politics affect you, your life, your future. Politicians need your support.

by William (Bill) Campbell, Conner In early days the practice of adding layers for strength or measured flexibility was a common practice. Typically, knives and swords. Fast forward to the digital age where the term, laminating or lamination, assumes a whole new meaning. The figurative “stacking” of layers of digital information or requirements has become a means to filter inquiries by the addition of sheer numbers, requirements or increasing difficulty, in some form.

by David Leslie, Corvallis Maine Democrats had a Graham Platner problem; and Graham Platner has a character problem. Somewhat sorted now; but it calls to mind the old adage: “If someone shows you who they are, believe them.” Character matters, particularly in the leaders we elect. Their behavior, decisions and policy all reflect their character. One’s beliefs, values and priorities are the stuff of character.

by John Dowd As debate continues over the proposed Sheep Creek rare earth mine up the headwaters of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, the Bitterroot Water Partnership organized a series of flyovers to give local leaders a firsthand look at the remote project area. The event came just weeks after US Critical Materials submitted its latest exploration plan to the U.S. Forest Service, renewing discussion over the proposed mining project and its potential impacts.

by Tom Tunny, Hamilton The FIFA World Cup has an honored tradition of upholding the calls by their referees. No interference by outside agents can affect these decisions as good or bad as they may be! It is said that Mussolini, the Dictator of Italy in the 1930s tried to influence the FIFA judges but was unsuccessful. Now we have a new wanna-be Dictator, DJT, who has again tried to influence the decision of the FIFA referees.

Division July 17, 2026 by Guest Post Leave a Comment by Charles Treece, Victor Lies Fear Division affects everyone every where, Our politics, Our Country State County And more devistaily our Families, Call out Liers Conspiracy Propaganda Disinformation, Don’t fall pray to Pavlov’s Dog Conditioning, What triggers your response?

by Bob Spitzer, Commander, American Legion Post 94, Stevensville A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the presentation of the American Legion Merit Awards to several outstanding eighth-grade students. After meeting those young men and women, I wrote that I believed our future was in good hands. I still believe that. Those students impressed me with their character, respect, and potential.

by Anita John, Hamilton To those proposing the construction of a large gymnasium in Big Corral Park: I respectfully but strongly oppose this proposal. Big Corral Park represents one of the last significant pieces of open public land in this area. For many years, this property has remained largely undeveloped, providing valuable space for recreation, community gatherings, family activities, outdoor events, and enjoyment of the natural environment.