Hometown Heroes 2019

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HOMETOWN

HEROES NOVEMBER ★ 2019

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BI

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O O R TV R E A T

2 - Ravalli Republic,

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Darby mayor Buck Titus looks for ways to make positive change Darby High School Senior class

“I don’t charge for my first job of the year,” and statements like these are words from a man that has endeared himself to our small community of Darby.

Currently, Mr. Buck Titus is the Mayor of Darby, but hasn’t always been in community government.

In fact, the only reason that he ran for mayor was because he saw a division in the townspeople and wanted to provide a solution to change the climate of the town. Additionally, as the mayor he realized that there was a lot of conflict in the council and the meetings were not enjoyable to go to, so he continues to strive to make things more bearable and enjoyable for the council, community, and town - proving that his true love is helping people.

When interviewing several community members, we found out that Buck has volunteered to help the Darby community members and Darby school students in a multitude of ways.

According to Deputy John Ringer, “When there is any kind of problem, Buck volunteers to fix it.”

One such instance, John was wanting to do some sheet rock at his house and needed some tools. After mentioning that he was going to begin on this proj-

close with God and when Buck told her he was going hunting up Tin Cup, she replied that her son had lost his wallet up there a few weeks before. Even though Buck was skeptical, she was convinced that Buck would find her son’s wallet, because God told her he was going to.

At the beginning of the trip, he really looked for the wallet; the next few miles he kind-of looked for the wallet. After the next few miles, he really stopped looking. While hiking with his shoe untied, leading a pack string of horses, one of the horses stepped on his shoe-lace and he fell down. He decided to finally tie his shoe.

Much to his surprise he disPhoto Provided covered his knee was on the Darby Mayor Buck Titus was selected by the Darby High School senior class as Darby’s missing wallet.

Hometown Hero for all he does for the community. He’s standing with his wife, Marilyn, One special comment from who is also pretty awesome. She donates fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden to the Darby Bread Box every year.

Buck’s daughter, Rebecca Rouse, is “one thing I love the ect to Buck, the next thing he teer to take the kids. This group most about my dad is that he knew Buck had delivered all the of kids, including his grandbelieves in what he sees and he tools he would need to work on daughter, were a part of the always has an attitude that he his home project.

2019 graduating class at Darby can do anything.”

Another way that Buck gives High School and were honored With this attitude comes his to the community is through when Buck accepted the role desire to help people make youth sports. From powder-puff of commencement speaker at their lives easier. Whether he football to traveling youth bas- their graduation ceremony this is helping out by cleaning the ketball, Buck has spent 40 years past spring. town grates, or snow plowing in volunteer coaching.

One great story that came the tennis courts, he just wants One time in particular, the out from interviewing Buck to make sure to help anyone Darby youth traveling coach, leads us to believe that even who might be struggling in life Mr. McCrossin was unable to God relies on Buck. at that moment. take the youth team to Superior According to Buck, there was Buck truly is a hometown and Buck stepped up to volun- a lady in Darby who was very hero.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, November 24, 2019 -

Farmers State Bank Salutes our Employees— True Home Town Heroes!

All year long, our employees volunteer their time and talents to make all nine of our communities better places to live, work and play.

They are Volunteer Firefighters, Team Coaches, National Guard, First Responders, Ski Patrollers, Sunday School Teachers, Board Members, Mentors, Classroom Aides, and so much more.

Thank you!

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4 - Ravalli Republic,

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Doug and Heidi Martin always ready to go above and beyond in Corvallis Madison Bierer Corvallis High School

senior

There are many different definitions of a hero, whether it be Superman himself or your mother we all have that certain someone.

For the small town of Corvallis Montana we’re lucky enough to be supported, cared for and loved by a couple who voluntarily and silently supports our community.

Doug and Heidi Martin go above and beyond from donating the funding for buildings and equipment for our school district, to putting together small goodie bags for our state champions.

Doug generously volunteers his time to announce some of Corvallis High School’s sporting events while Heidi is the best

Photo Provided

Corvallis’ Hometown Heroes Doug and Heidi Martin celebrate Corvallis volleyball’s state title with their daughter, Hannah.

judge on referees and their calls or running a stopwatch during a track meet.

Doug and Heidi have raised

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two very successful leaders in our community and have been supporting their peers along the way.

Their youngest and only daughter states “They would do anything to improve and help out in any way they can for other people.” Hannah also mentions she “definitely felt more supported academically with their help studying and their help grading papers in primary school for example allowing the teachers to spend more time with us.”

This just goes to show Doug and Heidi’s drive to help others.

They’re always supporting and cheering on the entire community. Those who know Doug and Heidi and the endless amounts of donations and time they’ve given to our community are incredibly grateful.

Our community is a tribe of hardworking, and generous people - Doug and Heidi Martin are no exception.

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Manor Resident Ila Pizzuto is a Hometown Hero MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

carries out her duties but is also very humble because she doesn’t draw attention to her“Ila Pizzuto is a hometown self. She is happy to deliver the hero. meals and is friendly, she smiles She has delivered Meals on and says hello.”

Wheels on a variety of routes He said that when people tell through Hamilton for eight her thank you she just quietly years. says “you’re welcome” and “It gives me something to do moves onto the next delivery. and I enjoy the people,” Pizzuto Ravalli County Council on said. “I meet a lot of people Aging Executive Director Paul Photo Provided and it is really cool.”

Travitz said Pizzuto is an asset to Ila Pizzuto has delivered Meals on Wheels on a variety of routes through Hamilton for She picks up the food from Meals on Wheels. eight years and is a Hometown Hero.

Council on Aging, bundles it up “She is a dedicated volunwith milks and delivers it while it teer that has been delivering to is hot. home-bound seniors,” Travitz “We go from 11:45 and then said. “She and her friend and it takes me about an hour to her little dog make deliveries do the deliveries,” she said. three times a week.”

“It is mostly visiting. You meet Travitz said Ravalli County a lot of people and it is hard Council on Aging is always lookwhen you lose one. You know ing for volunteers. what I mean, because you get “Ila can’t do it all,” he said.

“All our volunteers have to go attached.” through a background check, She lives in The Manor and have proof of a drivers license delivers most of the Meals on and car insurance.”

Wheels to that building at the The deliveries aren’t heavy Sapphire Lutheran Homes.

Dominic Farrenkopf, Director and Travitz said they can help of Community Engagement for carry them out to the car.

“They deliver a hot meal, a SLH, said Pizzuto is a giving and little salad and a carton of milk, kind senior citizen. nothing is really heavy,” Travitz “Ila is a very caring person said. “Call us at 406-363-5690 who is also very humble,” he we’ll get them in touch with said. “She loves to help out as someone that can help them.” is evident in the way that she michelle.mcconnaha@ravallirepublic.com

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6 - Ravalli Republic,

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Merrill Hill’s blessed Stevensville with his smile and positive attitude CASSI KOPSA Stevensville High School

As he walked the streets of Stevensville, happiness and kindness radiated from his body. He greeted everyone he saw with a big smile and a nod of his head. Everyone in the town of Stevensville has had a positive encounter with our

hometown hero, Merrill Hill.

Whether sitting at the table in the gas station, shopping at Burnt Fork Market, or simply traveling down the sidewalk, he was always blessing someone in our town or sparking up a friendly conversation.

Merrill really enjoyed talking about memory books, Stevi High athletics, essential oils,

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gardening, and healthy foods (in particular beans). If you gave him any moment of your time, he could go on and on about the things he was passionate about.

That passion for Stevi athletics led to one of Merril’s major contributions to this town: attending every single Stevensville High sports game he could. He was a staple in the front row at all the home volleyball game.

No matter the weather, you could always count on Merrill walking over to the games and giving his endless love and support. The Lady Jackets even gave him a team t-shirt one year. Once volleyball ended, Merrill continued to show up

and sit in the front row at the basketball games, despite being run over by sweaty basketball players a time or two.

He was a consistent presence at soccer, football, and more, always wanting to chat with anyone willing, and asking questions about the different sports, learning all he could.

The immense support Merrill provided to Stevi athletics throughout the years exemplified his love for his favorite town.

An outdoor enthusiast, Merrill loved being outside and walking around the town of Stevensville. He enjoyed sitting on the community benches and taking in the fresh air. Early in his life he was involved in

Scouts and Search and Rescue.

He contributed an enormous chunk of his time risking his life to save others. This passion for the outdoors and helpful nature carried through to his later life as he roamed the streets and blessed the citizens of Stevensville. Constantly being out and about on the streets made Merrill the town’s unofficial greeter; the friendly face of Stevi.

A hero is defined as a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

Merrill Hill is more than qualified to be a hero. He has contributed so much to the community; mostly, the sharing of smiles and laughter.

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That, in itself, is enough to be considered a hero. He gifted the community with happiness and touched the hearts of hundreds of citizens in this small town.

Unfortunately, the Bitterroot lost Merrill Hill on October 17, 2019. After about 43 years of living in Stevensville, his amazing service to our town will never be forgotten and will always live on within the streets.

Our town is now more friendly and loving as ever. He has left his mark not only on our sidewalks, but also in our hearts.

That is what makes Merrill Hill our forever loved hometown hero.

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8 - Ravalli Republic,

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Gary Locke is always there to help those in need PERRY BACKUS pbackus@ravallirepublic.com

Gary Locke’s telephone is always on.

Day or night. Rain or shine.

24/7.

When someone in Ravalli County finds themselves in need and there’s no one else who can help, it’s Locke’s phone that will often ring.

And, more often than not, he’ll find a way to get them through another day in hopes that their tomorrow will be better.

Stacey Umhey, executive director of Hamilton’s Supporters of Abuse Free Environments or SAFE, has known Locke for many years.

“Over that time, Gary has helped hundreds of people who have been impacted by domestic and sexual violence,” Umhey said. “Our shelter is often full and we’re just always grateful that we can count on Gary to help people find housing when we’re not able to provide it.”

“He’s ready to help people at a moment’s notice,” she said.

“You can give Gary a call day or night, anytime. I don’t know anyone who will answer their phone all night long.”

And it’s not just shelter that Locke is willing to help provide.

“He just touches people in so many different ways,” Umhey said.

Locke is a founding member of the nonprofit Family Shelter of the Bitterroot. The organization once operated a homeless shelter on the northern edge of Hamilton. After that operation stopped, Locke continued working with the homeless and dispossessed. He works closely with local churches and others to raise funds to provide people in need of a warm place to stay and a hot meal. Locke worked closely with other caring folks to put together a community meals program that’s fed thousands in its seven-year history.

Denny Calvert and his wife, Cheryl, worked to create and build the community meals program.

“Gary planted the seed,” Denny Calvert said. “He’s been a full supporter of the program ever since. He comes down quite often and sits down and talks with people who are there.

He prays with them.”

Most people in the Bitterroot Valley don’t even know half of what he accomplishes, Calvert said.

Photo Provided

Gary Locke’s has been tireless in his effort to help the homeless in Ravalli County as part of the nonprofit Family Shelter of the Bitterroot organization.

“He’s on call 24/7 to help people in need,” he said.

“Regardless of what those needs may be, he’s there to help. He’s done a ton of good in this valley. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know.”

Hamilton Police Chief Ryan

Oster said when the Lighthouse homeless shelter kind of came apart several years ago, Locke didn’t let that stop his efforts to help those most in need.

“When they moved away from the physical shelter, he continued to find ways to pro-

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, November 24, 2019 -

vide housing for folks in need,” Oster said. “He especially has a real desire to provide for families and find ways to keep them all together.”

Locke has also worked with local churches over the past couple of years to open up warming shelters when temperatures plunge.

“He works tirelessly,” Oster said. “And he’s always behind the scenes. He doesn’t fly his flag out in the open and he just keeps banging away and making things happen.”

The homeless issue isn’t as simple as what many on social media want to make it out to be. Oster said there are “dozens and dozens” of reasons why people are homeless.

Mental illness, substance abuse or sometimes people just run

into hard times.

“I’m glad that Gary does what he does,” Oster said. “It’s no picnic, but someone needs to do it. We should all be glad that we have folks like Gary who are willing to do everything they can to help those in need.”

And he does it all without any infrastructure or office.

“Gary has been running this organization for more than 10 years now and he all he has is his cell phone,” Umhey said.

“He sort of lives his work in a way that I think is super admirable.”

“Sometimes I joke that when I grow up I want to be like Gary,” she said. “I know that he’s touched so many people in a very positive way. He’s changed lives for the better.”

Thank you to our Hometown Heroes!

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10 - Ravalli Republic,

Sunday, November 24, 2019

School Resource Officer Randy Eppinger is a Hometown Hero MICHELLE MCCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

Officer Randy Eppinger, the School Resource Officer (SRO) for Hamilton School District, is a Hometown Hero.

Daly Elementary School first grade educator Brittany Hayes

said Eppinger is a valuable addition. “(He) dedicates countless hours to our communities especially our schools,” Hayes said. “He is always available to come talk to students about being safe and goes above and beyond to get to know the

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School Resource Officer Randy Eppinger presents safety information for Daly Elementary School students and is a Hometown Hero.

Ravalli Republic, Sunday, November 24, 2019 -

students and staff, making students feel comfortable with him while educating them about law enforcement.”

Daly second grade student Brodee Beall said officer Eppinger is a community hero because, “he saves us from danger.”

“He comes to our school and helps our school,” Beall said.

“He’s really nice.”

Washington Primary School Principal Scott Holland said Eppinger is a positive addition to Hamilton Schools.

“Randy is a very thoughtful SRO that makes a difference in children’s lives every day,” Holland said. “He is extremely positive with all of our Hamilton School District students and is

constantly involved with all of our schools.”

Chief of Police Ryan Oster said Eppinger is “top notch.”

“Everyone thinks highly of him,” Oster said. “He has a way of being able to find solutions to tough problems.”

Oster said that Eppinger is in his eighth year with Hamilton Police Department, previously worked as a Glacier County Sheriff Deputy in Cut Bank and served in the U.S. Army on a tour in Iraq.

“He does a tremendous job,” Oster said. “He really has the ability to connect with students, staff and building administrators. They all think highly of him and the parents, he manages to make connec-

tions with them and that is a pretty diverse group. He does a good job with that.”

Beyond his job as SRO, Eppinger is a coach for middle school football, is involved with Taekwondo and serves as a DJ for school dances.

“He has a real heart for kids,” Oster said. “One of the local

judges just sent me an email about Eppinger, ‘I just wanted to express my appreciation for Officer Eppinger’s willingness, promptness and professionalism in this matter.’ He just goes out of his way to find a solution to these issues. I can’t say enough good about him. He is a top notch officer.”

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Sunday, November 24, 2019

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