2021 Bitterroot's Best

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LAKE COMO, BITTERROOT’S BEST DAY TRIP

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BURGER RESTAURANT RESTAURANT SERVICE FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT BARTENDER - TEDDY KOBURI HAPPY HOUR WAITRESS - KRISTA MOHN ATMOSPHERE BAR

Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021 - 3

CALL US OR STOP IN TODAY! AND FIND OUT WHAT MAKES US...

We Take Anything On Trade! Cars, Trucks, SUV’s, ATV’s, Trailers, RV’s.

Not Trading? We Are Cash Buyers and Will Even Pay Off Your Current Loan!!

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Bitterroot’s Best

a fun project to produce. Every winner says that being voted by the community as Bitterroot’s Best is an honor. We live in a great community that appreciates excellence with workers, performers

Bitterroot’s Best 2021

and entrepreneurs that enjoy doing their best.

Thanks for voting, thanks for reading and as you look through this tab listing Bitterroot’s Best do so with pride.

is published by the Ravalli Republic Newspaper a division of Lee Enterprises Jim Strauss PUBLISHER Perry Backus ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BIT

Kathy Kelleher, Todd Kensley and Joe Weston PROJECT SALES

T

2021

’S

Barron Edward REPORTER

RO O R T E

COVER PHOTO

by Perry Backus

ravalli republic

Thanks hanks for voting oting us Bitterr Bitterroot’s Best Alternative Alternati Medicine and Unique Gifts!!

Thank You for voting us Bitterroot’s Best Friday Night Spot Happy Hour

524 South 1st Street Hamilton, MT 406.369.8471 www.twopoppiesapothecary.com

We are so grateful for all of our customers continuing support 352 Woodside Cutoff Rd over the last few years.

Corvallis, MT We are looking forward to 406.961.8333 another amazing year filled with good music and great beer! www.finstaphouse.com

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Thank you for voting us Bitterroot’s Best • Beer Selection • Micro Brewery • Salad • Soup • Pizza • Place to Mingle if Single 518 N 1st St Hamilton, MT 406.375.5204 www.highergroundbrewing.com

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BITTERROOT’S BEST ART GALLERY: ART FOCUS - FINE ARTS AND CUSTOM FRAMING.

MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

Bitterroot’s Best Businesses Alternative Medicine

TWO POPPIES APOTHECARY

“I’m blown away; it’s really great,” Hillary Sargent said. “I’m trying to get to help as many people as I can.”

Botanical Superstore won second place and Angela Haugo won third place.

Art Gallery

ART FOCUS - FINE ARTS & CUSTOM FRAMING

“Thank you for voting us for Bitterroot’s Best for our fourth year in a row.

It’s been a pleasure to serve our customers and our community of artists,” Michelle Biggins said. “We appreciate each and every one of our customers.

Thank you for your support.”

Montana Bliss Artworks won second place and Artistic Impressions won third place.

Assisted Living Residence

BEEHIVE HOMES OF HAMILTON

“It’s always great to be recognized, but especially this year has been ex-

ceptionally hard due to the pandemic and to be voted Bitterroot’s Best assisted living during this time even has a greater value,” Virginia Villemez said.

“We’re so appreciative of the award - being awarded the best of the Bitterroot - when we realize how many other awesome assisted living residences there are and we feel honored to receive that award again for the third time.”

Sapphire Homes took second place and Hamilton Assisted Living and Memory Care took third.

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GLOBAL EXPOSURE B I T T E R RO O T VA L L E Y E X P E R T I S E

ENGEL & VÖLKERS WESTERN FRONTIER

Thank you for voting Engel & Völkers Western Frontier the Bitterroot Valley’s #1 Real Estate Brokerage again!

Bitterroot Valley Shop Locations 100 Pinckney Street Hamilton, MT 406-375-5556

102 B Main Street Stevensville, MT 406-625-2686

www.westernfrontier.evrealestate.com ©2021 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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Auction/Estate Sales

SWANSON ESTATE

Finalists: RLP Auctions Blue Jay Estate Sales LLC

Auto Body/Repair Shop

INNOVATIVE AUTO SERVICES Finalists: M & M Trans & Auto Action Auto Body South Wimp’s Body Works Inc

Bed & Breakfast

BITTERROOT RIVER BED AND BREAKFAST LLC

Finalists: The Wild Game Inn Time After Time Bed and Breakfast

Beer Selection

HIGHERGROUND BREWING

BITTERROOT’S BEST: HIGHERGROUND BREWING

MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

Finn’s Taphouse took second place by only a few votes and Bitter Root Brewing took third place.

Thanks for voting us Bitterroot’s Best Sandwich and Place to eat solo

337 West Main Street Hamilton, MT 406.363.4552 www.riverrisingbakery.com

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For Voting Us

Bitterroot’s best salon and Best Hair Stylist

We definitely think our guests are just as great!

Thank you for letting us be great!

We are a full service salon.

From head to toe including an incredible tattoo artist Color specialist, Nail specialists, men’s cutting specialist, makeup artists, certified hair extension specialist, skin specialist.

Though Donna is extremely thankful to be voted for best hair stylist another year, she really wants to send the gratitude and send joy to EACH one of her team members. Bittersweet is the busiest it’s ever been and is filled with so much love and SO MUCH greatness Her team is truly the BEST! If you’re looking for a new salon please stop by and check us out, call us for an appointment 406-363-2731 and or check out our social media pages.

Corner of 2nd and State St in Hamilton Montana

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Bike Shop

VALLEY BICYCLES & SKI

“We are honored by being voted the Bitterroot’s Best bike shop. As we go through our year we never expect that, we just aim to do the best job we can,” Kerri Leavell said.

“It’s been very rewarding serving our community over the years. We really appreciate all of you and thank you for your support.”

Red Barn Bicycles won second place.

Bookstore

CHAPTER ONE BOOK STORE

MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

BITTERROOT’S BEST: VALLEY BIKE AND SKI

“We are honored to be voted the best bookstore in the Bitterroot and it’s really a reflection of the community we are a part of. Most communities our size are not able to support an independent bookstore, so we feel very lucky to live in a community that values books and literature and ideas and conversation and events and all of that stuff that we do our best to bring to the valley,” said Mara Luther, co-owner.

Between the Worlds took second place.

We carry a large selection of

Montana

“Your Bitterroot Valley Department Store”

T-shirts and active wear

Ford’s Department Store

We want to thank all of our loyal customers for their continued support throughout one of the toughest years we have ever seen. Huge thank you to all of our employees as well!! Without their hard work and dedication we wouldn’t be here.

“With God all things are possible”

Family Owned Since 1947

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BITTERROOT’S BEST CLOTHING STORE Corner of Main & 2nd • Downtown Hamilton Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm

Bitterroot’s Best

• Mexican • Community Involved Business

217 West main street 406.363.7710

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Thanks for voting us

Bitterroot’s Best Flower Shop and we’re excited to be

Best Boutique!

302 North 1st Street Hamilton, MT 406.363.4318 www.flowerhappyfloral.com

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Hamilton. “A lot of my customers that have come in through the years have become part of our family. It’s always an honor to know that they appreciate all that we do here, because it is a work of love.”

Old West Antiques and Candy Store took second place and Wildflower Confections and Boutique took third place, both in Darby.

Car Wash

SPLASH CAR WASH

“It’s a privilege that the people of the Bitterroot have chosen us to be the number one. The Bitterroot Valley people are the nicest people. To me, it’s the highest honor because you can lose it, too,” Scott Kunkel said. “If we get full of ourselves or something, we could lose it. It’s very humbling. Every time I hear that we won it, it’s super happy, but it makes us want to be better. We can’t thank our customers enough for the support.”

CB Mobile Detail won second place and Lube Quick Inc. won third place.

BITTERROOT’S BEST: BIG SKY CANDY

Boutique

FLOWER HAPPY FLORAL & GIFTS

“I feel that during Covid when we didn’t have our wedding season, I had a lot more energy to put into the boutique part of the shop and the gift store,” said Kim Fuarez. “I had some time to see what this town didn’t offer in other stores, because it’s really important to me to not step on the toes of what’s already happening and our town doesn’t need that. We don’t need a repeat. We’re small and we

MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

need to complement each other.”

The Closet Boutique and Gifts took a very close second place and Between the Worlds took third place.

Candy Shop

BIG SKY CANDY

“The biggest thing is the honor that the people have given us by making us Bitterroot’s Best. It is an honor, because it just shows how much people really enjoy coming to the store and becoming part of our family,” said Michele DeGroot owner of Big Sky Candy in

Caterer

MINESHAFT

“What the community means to us is literally everything,” said Kristen Hoenstine, owner. “In our mission statement, we talk about wanting to find a place for people to gather and a place for people to belong. Not only through our inside shop but also through our catering, we want to provide that for our clients. We want to give them a sense of community and also hometown pride in whatever they are offering their guests that are coming to events.”

Red Rooster Artisan Bakery won second place and Mission Bistro won third place.

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Thanks to all of our Loyal Customers for voting us Bitterroot’s Best • Coffee/Espresso • Customer Service • Best New Business

214 North First Street Hamilton, MT

406.381.9558 or 406.381.0688 Find us on Facebook and Instagram

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Clothing Store

FORDS DEPARTMENT STORE

Finalists: The Closet Boutique & Gifts and Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply

Community Involved Business

MARIA’S

“I’m super honored. It’s a shock to me,” said Maria Chavez. “I was not expecting this at all. We are very happy and very thankful to God for giving us this gift. I’m very grateful and thankful for my staff because without them, I wouldn’t be able to get this award. We thank everybody who voted for us and appreciate their support.”

Two Poppies Apothecary won second place and Bitterroot Drug won third place.

MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

BITTERROOT’S BEST: FORDS DEPARTMENT STORE

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BITTERROOTS BEST BIKE SHOP WE VOTE YOU BITTERROOTS BEST CUSTOMERS!

Bitterroot’s Best Car Wash Thank you Bitterroot Valley for allowing us 1730 North 1 Street to clean your car!

406.361.8261 st

New and Used Bike Sales, Repairs, Service and Accessories, Mountain Bike Rentals, Envy Scooters, Skateboard Sales and Parts

Kelly Whitmoyer, named Bitterroot’s Best Realtor 2021 Nothing Compares.

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S !

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO G L AC I E R S OT H E B Y ’S I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y ’S K E L LY W H I T M OY E R !

Everyone at Glacier Sotheby’s International Realty is so proud of Kelly for this incredible accomplishment. Kelly is one of the truly great agents in our company and continues to show professionalism and leadership at the highest level. Great work Kelly! Thank you for being a part of the wonderful team at Glacier Sotheby’s

Big thank you to everyone who voted me

B I T T E R R O OT VA L L E Y

M O N TA N A

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the best in the Bitterroot! This has been home my entire life, I truly love this valley and the people in it. I'm excited to continue to meet my clients', friends' and family's expectations in my work ethic and integrity.

What a proud feeling to know how many people believe in me!

- K E L LY W H I T M OY E R , B R O K E R

International Realty.

R E AC H O U T 406.274.5449 | KWHITMOYER@GLACIERSIR.COM

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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Computer Repair

GRIZZLY BROADBAND

“We’re very proud of being voted Bitterroot’s Best. We’ve been the Bitterroot Valley’s number one place to go for computer repair and internet for 25 years. Computer repair and internet can be hard to come by in rural areas and we’re proud to be able to provide these services to the Bitterroot.”

Finalists: Hamilton Computer Service took second place and Nolaboy Cell Phone Repair took third place.

Convenience Store

CORVALLIS MERC NOW BOWERS MARKET

BITTERROOT’S BEST: GRIZZLY BROADBAND

MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

“We cannot thank our amazing customers and staff enough for making this possible. We look forward to continuing to improve our service and our range of offerings. Thank you all again for this recognition,” Jimmy Ross said.

Lone Pine Conoco won second place and Riverside Conoco won third place.

Thank you for voting us Bitterroot’s Best Grocery Store! pprecia your support!

We appreciate

Hamilton • 406-363-6200 1131 N. 1st Street

Stevensville • 406-777-7300 39 Stevensville Cutoff Road W

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MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

BITTERROOT’S BEST: CORVALLIS MERC NOW BOWERS MARKET

Customer Service

MONTANA MADE COFFEE Finalists: Lube Quick Inc BitterSweet Salon

Day Care

CURIOUS MINDS MONTESSORI AND PRESCHOOL

Finalists: Bitterroot Early Learning Center and Precious Moments Preschool and Childcare

Family Friendly Restaurant

NAP’S GRILL

Finalists: Higherground Brewing Co. and Fiesta En Jalisco and The Edge Restaurant & Sports Bar

Financial Institution

FARMERS STATE BANK

Finalists: Ravalli County Federal Credit Union and TrailWest Bank

Member FDIC

Thank You For Voting Us Bitterroot’s Best Financial Institution !* Farmers State Bank www.farmersebank.com

• Farmers State Bank is also ranked #1 for mortgage lending in Ravalli County for 2020!** Visit a branch today to see for yourself!

Darby • Hamilton • Victor • Stevensville • Florence Lolo • Missoula • Kalispell • Helena *Source: Ravalli Republic 2021 ***Source: Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder

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Fishing Headquarters

BOB WARD’S SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Finalists: Freestone Fly Shop Rausch’s Top Water Anglers

Florist

FLOWER HAPPY FLORAL & GIFTS

Finalists: Bleeding Heart Flower Farm and WildWind Floral Design Studio

Furniture Store

BITTERROOT FURNITURE CO Finalists: Valley Furniture and Madison Creek Furnishings

Garden Supply/Nursery

K & S GREENHOUSE

BITTERROOT’S BEST: EVANS ACE

MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

Finalists: Moellers and Bitterroot Nursery

We wish to express a THANK YOU to all of our “4 Legged Patients” and their owners for voting us the

Bitterroot’s Best Veterinarian and Pet Care!

Bitterr

406.363.5390 1420 South First Street Hamilton, MT 59840

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Golf Course

HAMILTON GOLF CLUB Finalists: Whitetail Golf Course Stock Farm Golf Club

Gun Store

BITTERROOT TRADING POST

Frontier Guns & Ammo and Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors

Hardware/Home Improvement

EVANS ACE HARDWARE

“Thank you to all of our neighbors who have shopped with us this year.

It has been a trying year for everyone and many people found inspiration to do work on their homes. We are so grateful for customers allowing us to be a part of that process,” David Evans said. “We also want to give a special ‘thank you’ and ‘welcome’ to all of the new customers who discovered our

store during the pandemic. We have really enjoyed all the new DIYers that now shop with us.”

Massa Home Center took second place and Don’s Home Center took third place.

Health & Fitness Gym

IRON HORSE ATHLETIC CLUB Finalists: Canyons Athletic Club Bitterroot Crossfit

Jewelry Store

MIKESELL’S FINE JEWELRY

Insurance Agent

TAYLOR KING - STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENT

“This is my third year in Hamilton and from the get-go the community has been nothing but welcoming,” Taylor King said. “What I love most about our community is that people really want to work locally, so we’ve strived to do the best job that we can providing

We would like to thank everyone who Voted us

Bitterroots Best

Motorcycle/ATV Dealer

Thanks from the crew at Al’s Cycle!

We could not do it without you guys!

From your friends at

619 Highway 93 North • Hamilton, Hamilton MT 363-3433

people with great local customer service, getting back to people in a timely manner and doing what we say we’re going to do. The community has really gotten behind myself and our office to help support us and help do their insurance locally.”

Jones Korman Insurance won second place and Timothy Thomas won third place.

“We are honored and privileged to have served the Bitterroot for over 38 years! Thank you from Cindy and the girls,” said Cindy Mikesell, owner/jeweler.

Between the Worlds took second place and Asmus Jewelers & Coins took third place.

T hank you

for voting us Bitterroot’s Best - Organic Food Selection - Vegetarian 900 South First Street 406.375.5159 www.suzettesorganics.com

1917-2021

104 HAMILTON — 363-6204 • 1120 N. 1ST Sun 10am-5pm • M-F 9am-8pm • Sat 8am-6pm

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B E S T S P O RTI NG G O O D S B E S T F I S H I NG HEA D QUA RTERS

A HU G E T H A N K Y O U T O OUR CUSTOM E R S , EMPL O Y EE S , FA MILY, & FR I EN DS F O R S U PPORT ING B OB WA R D’ S F O R 1 03 Y E A R S !

Shop 24/7 at www.bobwards.com

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Landscaper

VERN’S LANDSCAPING Finalists: Earth & Wood and Nisly Landscaping

Liquor Store

CHEERS UNLIMITED

Finalists: Hamilton Wine & Liquor, The Edge and Westslope Distillery

Lodging

BITTERROOT RIVER INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER

Finalists: Stevensville Hotel and Tin Cup Lodge

Motorcycle/Atv Dealer

AL’S CYCLE

Finalists: Motorcycle Garage and Hamilton Polaris

Thank you for voting us Bitterroot’s Best Deli!

129 Copper King Ct Suite A 406.369.0529

FILE PHOTO

BITTERROOT’S BEST: ALS CYCLE

Bitterroot’s Best Physical Therapist!

PT

Thanks for trusting us with your health.

484 Old Corvallis road suite B 406.381.3683 www.infinityhealthpt.com

Dr. Kelly Christensen, PT

Dr. Suzy Berland, PT

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FORMERLY MERC FRESH MARKET

Thanks to all of our amazing customers for making us

BITTERROOT’S BEST CONVENIENCE STORE for the second year in a row!

9.99

$

WEEKDAY LUNCH SPECIALS

EXPANDED WINE SECTION

1000 MAIN STREET, CORVALLIS, MT 59828 • 406.961.4830

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New Business Opened Within a Year

MONTANA MADE COFFEE

Pawn Shop

BITTERROOT TRADING POST Finalists:

Finalists: Seppi’s European Market & Deli and Freestone Ice Cream

New Car Dealer

MILDENBERGER MOTORS

Finalists: Bell-McCall Company and Karl Tyler Chevrolet, Inc.

Non-Profit

EMMA’S HOUSE

Finalists: Bitterroot Humane and Habitat For Humanity

Pest Control

BUG OFF PEST CONTROL

Finalists: 406 Pest Control and Bugmaster Pest Control

Pet Care/Boarding

Finalist: The UPS Store

MURDOCH’S RANCH & HOME SUPPLY

Finalists: Wild About Pets and Cowpoke Ranch Supply Inc

Pharmacy

BITTERROOT DRUG

Finalists: Healthcare Providers and Corvallis Drug Store

VALLEY PET CLINIC

Property Management

Pet Grooming

Finalists: Cardinal Properties Inc. and Real Property Management Sapphire

Finalists: Western Wings Working Rtrvrs and Daly Dog Care

Office Supplies

THE PAPER CLIP

Asmus Jewelers & Coins and The exchange

Pet Supply

WAGS & WOOFS DOG GROOMING SERVICE

Finalists: Grooming by Denise and Groom on the Vroom

CARAS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Ranch Supply Store

MURDOCH’S RANCH & HOME SUPPLY

Finalists: Cowpoke Ranch Supply Inc and Lakeland Feed & Supply, Hamilton

Molly Gannon DDS

Thank you for voting us Bitterroot’s Best Dentist!

512 Old Corvallis road 406.363.1211 www.mollygannondds.com

Thanks for voting us Best Wine Selection!

100 Skeels Avenue Suite B 406.361.8211 www.jessiswineandgoods.com

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Real Estate Office

ENGEL & VÖLKERS WESTERN FRONTIER

Finalists: DeVries Real Estate and PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate

Restaurant

NAP’S GRILL

Finalists: 2nd Street Sushi and Maria’s Mexican Restaurant

Salon

BITTERSWEET SALON

Finalists: Bitter Rootz Hair Studio and 21 Salon & Spa

Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store

BOB WARDS SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Finalists: 406 Custom Cerakote and Mr T’s Mercantile

Supermarket

SUPER 1 FOODS

Finalists: Hamilton’s Marketplace and Albertsons

Tax Preparation

H&R BLOCK

“It’s a huge honor; I’m very excited.

It shows all the hard work me and my team have put into keeping up with the current tax laws,” Jenny Jacobson said. “If it wasn’t for our clients and our relationship with our clients, we wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Weber & Vanorio took second place and Davis Group took third place.

Thrift Store

RAVILLI SERVICES THRIFT STORE

Finalists: Goodwill Store and S.A.F.E. House Thriftique

283 Second Street Corvallis, MT • 406.961.8938 www.thewildmare.com

Tire Store

TIRE-RAMA

Finalists: Jerry Wessels Tire Center and Les Schwab Tire Center - Stevensville

Towing

WIMP’S BODY WORKS INC

“I was raised here as a kid in the 60’s, and my uncle started Wimp’s Body Works in about 1970, but when we moved away, it was always my goal to get back into the valley. It’s a great place to be,” Kevin Kimp said. “We’ve always lived by the ‘Fast and Fair’ slogan, trying to help our customers and be as fair with pricing and everything as possible. We love the valley, love the people in the valley; it’s a great place to be and I’m glad we’re able to extend these services to those people.”

S&S Auto Repair Hamilton, took second place and J&D Auto Body Inc. took third place.

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Unique Gifts (Tie)

BETWEEN THE WORLDS TWO POPPIES APOTHECARY Finalist:Corvallis Mercantile

Used Car Dealer

QUALITY MOTORS

Finalists: Mildenberger Motors and Willow Creek Motors LLC

Wine Selection

JESSI’S WINE & GOODS

Finalists: Shed Horn Cellars 406 and Hamilton Wine & Liquor

FILE PHOTO

BITTERROOT’S BEST: QUALITY USED CARS

thank you Bitterroot’s Best Jewelry Store! for once again voting us

Best Barber!

Thank You for voting for me

BITTERROOT’S

I’ve had 26 great years in the business.

I’m lucky to do

what I love and

appreciate everyone

201 W. Main • 363-6236

mikesellsfinejewelry.com

Mikesell ’s fine jewelry

Serving the Bitterroot for 38 years!

that supports me and my Beauty Supply Store as well.

SK Richie Salon 220 Cherry Street Hamilton 370-8584

Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021 - 27

Faces In The Crowd Actor/Actress

MARA LUTHER

Finalists: Bryan Dufresne and Bethany Anderson

Artist

STEVE WILSON

Finalists: Troy Collins and Brooke Devries

Attorney

MELANIE D’ISIDORO, BITTERROOT LAW Finalists: Dave Markette and Jason Sillstrop

Author

BRYAN DUFRESNE

Finalists: Heather Montes and Kay Ownbey

Barber

SHARON RICHIE

“It means a lot to me to be voted Bitterroot’s Best because I’ve done this for a long time and it’s nice to be recognized,” Sharon Richie said.

Donna Weidow won second place and Randy Hammond won third place.

Bartender

TEDDY KOBURI

Finalists: Krista Mohn and Kristen Weidow

Creating a world where children and families are healthy and free from abuse and neglect.

Chiropractor

MANDY BARNINGS

Finalists: Dr. Gilbert Roberts and Jim Kostecki

emmashousecac.org

Coach

DAVE BRADSHAW

“That’s exciting,” Bradshaw said on hearing he won. “Coaching has been a very important part of my life. To be honest, I got into education because I wanted to coach. I loved athletics when I was in high school, I like kids and thought I could do teaching as well, but coaching got me excited to get into education.” Bradshaw retired this year after 31 years at Corvallis and eight years at Stanford. He will continue to coach basketball and track.

Jeff Nagel won second place and Jason Wilcox won third place.

Thank you for voting us Bitterroot’s Best Non-Profit and for your continued support.

Thank you for voting us #1!

406-363-1943 • 223 Pinckney St. • Bitterrootfurniture.com

Thank you for voting us Bitterroot’s Best Pharmacy!

Contractor

MARCUS PETREY, PETREY CONSTRUCTION

Finalists: Rogue Contracting and Brooks Cole

Dentist

MOLLY GANNON Finalists: Hamilton Advanced Dentistry and Eli Johnson

211 MAIN, HAMILTON www.bitterrootdrug.com

406.363.3611

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Domestic Car Mechanic

ANDY JESSOP - INNOVATIVE AUTO SERVICES

Finalists: M&M Trans & Auto and Pat/Rods Automotive

Employer

HAMILTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Finalists: Bittersweet Salon and Montana Made Coffee Co

Eye Doctor

DIRK BEYER BIG SKY EYE CARE

Finalists: Dr. Hutchinson Ravalli Family Eye and Duane Gocachea

BITTERROOT’S BEST: HAMILTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

FILE PHOTO

T hank you FOR VOTING ME MANDY BARNINGS DC

Bitterroot’s Best Chiropractor 246 Marcus Street Hamilton, MT 363-7600 risingwellnessmontana.com

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Foreign Car Mechanic

RELIANCE AUTO

Finalists: Dave’s Transmission Exchange and Mechanic Tom French

Hair Stylist

DONNA WEIDOW

Finalists: Dana Schoepf and Dawn Toomey

Massage Therapist

RIKKI CLARKE

Finalists: Betty Schroder Rosewood Wellness and Brianna Massey- Sabai

Musician/Band

BITTERROOT’S BEST: SUZY BERLAND

We appreciate you voting us

‘Bitterroot’s Best Towing’

FILE PHOTO

MODIFIED LOCKDOWN Finalists: Shakewell, Nashville 406 and Who dat

Thank you to everyone who voted me “Bitterroots Best” Artist

Free Loaner Cars

998 North 1st -Hamilton 363-4050 www.wimpsbodyworks.com

Steve Wilson

493 Warp Drive, Corvallis

(406) 642-3781 stevewilsonart.com

Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021 - 31

Nail Tech

Realtor

HAHN MCNEELEY

Finalists: Kristyn French and Jill Stevens

Personal Trainer

KELLY WHITMOYER GLACIER SOTHEBY’S

Finalists: Heather Lupton Exit Realty and Jamie Miller

JUSTEN ZIMMERMAN IRON HORSE

Reporter/Valley Voice

Photographer

Teacher

Finalists: Brooke Wiltbank and June Jessop Iron Horse

JAELA B PHOTOGRAPHY

Finalists: Michele McConnaha and Helen Eden

JAMIE POOL

Finalists: Jade McBride and Dakota Wilton, Wilton photography

Physical Therapist

SUZY BERLAND

Finalists: Doug Martin, Hamilton Physical Therapy and Jackie Day, Hamilton Physical Therapy

Finalists: Neela Andres and Alice Leonardi Corvallis High

Veterinarian

DR. JOE MELNARIK VALLEY PET

Finalists: Companion Pet Clinic and Bob Brophy

Volunteer/Hero

ANDY JESSOP

Finalists: Dominic Farenkoff and Ryan Tellock

Physician

NIKKI WESTON

PERRY BACKUS

Finalists: Dr. Yvonne Courschene and Dr. Kirk Crews

Waiter/Waitress

KRISTA MOHN

Finalists: Teddy Koburi and Tina McConnell

Big Sky

T hanks to

C

everyone who voted us the Bitterroot’s Best Candy Shop!

We appreciate our loyal customers.

ANDY,INC.

319 W. Main Street, Hamilton • 363-0580 www.bigskycandy.com/shop

Bitterroot's Best Customers:

ours.

2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Your source for: annuals & perennials, ornamentals & edibles, trees & shrubs, garden accessories, & the widest variety of hanging baskets & deck planters in the Valley.

204 Black Lane, Corvallis (406) 961-1612 www.ksgreenhouse.com

32 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021

Appetizer

Food & Restaurants Bakery

THE EDGE

Finalists: Bitter Root Brewing and 2nd Street Sushi

Asian Food

RED ROOSTER ARTISAN BAKERY

NAP’S GRILL

Finalists: River Rising and Mineshaft Pasty Co

2ND STREET SUSHI

Finalists: A Thaiger and Suzette’s Organics

Atsmosphere

NAP’S GRILL

Finalists: Higherground Brewery and Bouilla

Burger

Breakfast

RED ROOSTER ARTISAN BAKERY

Finalists: Coffee Cup Cafe and BJ’S Restaurant

Budget Lunch

TACO DEL SOL

Finalists: Maria’s and Back Door Deli

“The most important thing I’d like to get across to people is that restaurants, not only in Montana but across the nation, went through a lot of uncertainty last year and I just want my staff to know that I’m super proud of them for sticking around, rallying together, showing up to work, and doing such a great job for Nap’s and coming together to help feed the community. I think that’s pretty noble of them,” Tyler Gilder said. “And of course, the community in the Bitterroot Valley is unbelievable. The support they’ve shown over the last year, with COVID and everything that was going on, makes me proud to be part of the community here and to be a Montanan.”

Bitter Root Brewing won second place and Big Sky Grub Shack in third.

Business

LUNCH BOUILLA

Finalists: The Edge Restaurant & Sports Bar and Nap’s Grill

Coffee/Espresso Shop

MONTANA MADE COFFEE

Finalists: Florence Coffee Co and Big Creek Coffee Roasters

Deli

SEPPI’S EUROPEAN MARKET & DELI

BITTERROOT’S BEST: SEPPI’S EUROPEAN MARKET & DELI

FILE PHOTO

“I’ve been involved in the community here for a long time; I’ve owned businesses before in the Bitterroot valley,” Joseph Williams said. “A restaurant is something new to me, it’s

Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021 - 33

something different. We did have a restaurant in Poland and for us, the European products are very important.

Bringing that to the community, delivering something that’s a little bit different and a little more extensive of a product line than what your typical deli would be [is important to us]. We’re really honored that people voted us to be the best deli. That really means a lot.”

Back Door Deli took second place and River Rising took third place.

Dessert

FREESTONE ICE CREAM

Finalists: Mineshaft Pasty Co and Seppi’s European Market & Deli

Donuts

HAMILTON’S MARKETPLACE

Fine Dining

WILD MARE

Finalists: Mission Bistro, Taste of Paris and Victor Steakhouse & Lounge

Mexican

MARIA’S

“I cannot thank my community enough for supporting me and supporting us through this toughest year that we’ve ever faced,” Maria Chavez said. “I just cannot thank them enough and I’m very grateful to them. Because of them, I’m able to do what we do.

Without them, I wouldn’t be here and I wouldn’t be able to do anything.”

Finalists: Fiesta En Jalisco won second place and Country Kitchen Montana won third place.

Micro Brewery

HIGHERGROUND BREWING CO.

Finalists: Bitter Root Brewing and Finn’s Corvallis

Organic Food Selection

SUZETTE’S ORGANICS

Finalists: Super 1 Foods and Rainbow’s End Natural Foods

Pizza

HIGHERGROUND BREWING CO. Finalists: Kodiak Jax II, Figaro’s Pizza and Kodiak Jax

Finalists: Super 1 Foods and Mineshaft Pasty Co

Thank You For Voting

CHEERS UNLIMITED Bitterroot’s Best Liquor Store We appreciate our customers!

Locally Owned & Community Involved for 30 years Hamilton’s State Liquor Store and More Liquor • Craft Beers • Domestic Beers • Wine • Mixes • Snacks • Tobacco • Party Supplies Ice & More Check out our Humidor - We have a large selection of fine cigars

Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm • 501 South First • Hamilton • 363-3751

34 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021

! u o Y k n a h T So Happy We Could Help!

BITTERROOT’S BEST: BITTERROOT BREWERY

Prime Rib

VICTOR STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE Finalists: Wild Mare and Skalkaho Steak House

Restaurant Service

NAP’S GRILL

Finalists: Mission Bistro and Bitter Root Brewery

Romantic Dining

WILD MARE

Finalists: Mission Bistro and Taste of Paris

Salad

HIGHERGROUND BREWING CO.

Finalists: Nap’s Grill and Kodiak Jax II

Sandwich

RIVER RISING

714 No. 1st St. | Hamilton | 363-3351

FILE PHOTO

Finalists: Bouilla and Red Rooster Artisan Bakery

Seafood

2ND STREET SUSHI

Finalists: Mission Bistro and Victor Steakhouse & Lounge

Soup

HIGHERGROUND BREWING CO. Finalists: River Rising and Back Door Deli

Steak

WILD MARE

Finalists: Victor Steakhouse & Lounge and Lolo Creek Steakhouse Inc

Vegetarian

SUZETTE’S ORGANICS Finalists: Bitter Root Brewing and Bouilla

Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021 - 35

Thank you for voting us Bitterroot’s Best • Gym • Personal Trainer

Let us be your partner in health & fitness.

Congrats to our personal trainer Justen Zimmerman

Unlimited Classes Friendliest & Cleanest Free fitness & discounted nutrition consultation with membership Best personal & group trainers in the area!

99 Marcus Street, Hamilton, MT 406.363.0300 www.ihacmt.com

36 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021

Night Life

Live Music

BITTER ROOT BREWING

Bar

NAP’S GRILL

Finalists: Westslope Distillery and Marley’s Bar & Casino

Casino

THE EDGE

Brewskis Sports bar Grill And Casino and Marleys

“We love Bitterroots Best and are flattered to be voted Best Live Music again,” Nicol Musburger said. “It’s been a challenging year with covid and we are looking forward to a time when we can bring our music back again because we miss all of our musicians and miss hosting music for our awesome valley. Thanks to everyone who voted for us!”

Cowboy Troy’s took second place and Fin’s Taphouse took third place.

Margarita

Friday Night Spot

FIESTA EN JALISCO

FIN’S TAPHOUSE

Finalists: Westslope Distillery and Nap’s Grill

Finalists: Nap’s Grill and Cowboy Troy’s

Happy Hour (Three way tie)

Stiff Drink

Sports Bar

FIN’S TAPHOUSE NAP’S GRILL AND THE EDGE

THE EDGE RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR

WESTSLOPE DISTILLERY

Finalists: Rainbow and Nap’s Grill

Places to go Anniversary Spot

WILD MARE

“This was my mom’s business and I just took it over. She’s had a long legacy of winning Bitterroot’s Best so keeping that trend going is very honorable for me; I get to honor her memory in that way. Thanks for the community support. They helped us out in our rough time,” said Val Phillips.

Mission Bistro won second place by only a few votes and Taste of Paris won third place.

Finalists: Brewskis Sports Bar Grill and Nap’s Grill

We Thank Everyone who voted us

Bitterroots Best 2021!

We appreciate your business and look forward to providing you with the best prices and selection in the valley

Serving the Bitterroot Valley for years VERN’S LANDSCAPE. INC. 360-0170

649 US Highway 93 North Next to Als’ Cycle

Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021 - 37

Annual Festival/Event

BITTERROOT BREW FEST

Finalists: Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering Ravalli County Fair

Best Day Trip

LAKE COMO

Finalists: Philipsburg and Bannack State Park

Day Hike

First Date Spot

WILD MARE

Finalists: Nap’s Grill and 2nd Street Sushi

Historical Spot

DALY MANSION

Finalists:Big Hole National Battlefield and Bannack State Park

Horseback Riding Trail

BLODGETT OVERLOOK

BASS CREEK TRAILHEAD

Dog Walking Spot

Outdoor Dining

Finalists: Como Falls and Lake Como

KIWANIS PARK

Finalists: Hamilton dog park and Lake Como

Finalists: Calf Creek and Soft Rock Road

THE EDGE RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR Finalists: Fin’s Taphouse and 406 Saloon/ Big Cat Cafe

Place To Eat Solo

RIVER RISING

Finalists: Nap’s Grill and Maria’s

Place To Mingle If Single

HIGHERGROUND BREWING CO.

Finalists: Rainbow Bar and The Edge Restaurant & Sports Bar

Place To People Watch

FARMERS MARKET

Finalists: The Rainbow Bar and Celtic Games and Gathering

Weekend Getaway

QUINN’S HOT SPRINGS RESORT

Finalists: Jackson Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

Bitterroot’s Best 2020 Winners

FACES IN THE CROWD Actor/Actress Artist Attorney Author Barber Bartender Chiropractor Coach Contractor Dentist Domestic Car Mechanic Employer Eye Doctor Foreign Car Mechanic Hair Stylist Massage Therapist Musician/Band Nail Tech Personal Trainer Photographer Physical Therapist Physician Realtor Reporter/Valley Voice Teacher Veterinarian Volunteer/Hero Waiter/Waitress PLACES TO GO Day Hike Dog Walking Spot Horseback Riding Trail Mountain Bike Trail Anniversary Spot Annual Festival/Event Best Day Trip First Date Spot Historical Spot Outdoor Dining Place To Eat Solo Place To Mingle If Single Place To People Watch Weekend Getaway FOOD & RESTAURANTS Appetizer Asian Food Atsmosphere Bakery Breakfast Budget Lunch Burger Business Lunch Coffee/Espresso Shop Deli Dessert Donuts Fine Dining Mexican Micro Brewery Organic Food Selection Pizza Prime Rib Restaurant Service‘ Romantic Dining Salad Sandwich Seafood Soup Steak Vegetarian

Mara Luther Steve Wilson Melanie D’Isidoro Bryan Dufresne Sharon Richie Teddy Koburi Mandy Barnings Dave Bradshaw Marcus Petrey Molly Gannon Andy Jessop Hamilton School District Big Sky Eyecare Reliance Auto Donna Weidow Rikki Clarke Modified Lockdown Hahn McNeeley Justen Zimmerman Jaela B. Photography Suzy Berland Nikki Weston Kelly Whitmoyer Perry Backus Jamie Pool Joe Melnarik Valley Pet Clinic Andy Jessop Krista Mohn Blodgett Overlook Kiwanis River Park Bass Creek Lake Como Wild Mare Bitterroot Brew Fest Lake Como Wild Mare Daly Mansion The Edge River Rising Higherground Hamilton Farmers Market Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort The Edge 2nd Street Sushi Nap’s River Rising Red Rooster Taco Del Sol Nap’s Bouilla Montana Made Coffee Seppi’s Freestone Ice Cream Hamilton Market Place Wild Mare Maria’s Restaurant Higherground Suzett’s Organics Higherground Victor Steakhouse Nap’s Grille Wild Mare Higherground River Rising 2nd Street Sushi Higherground The Wild Mare Suzette’s Organics

NIGHTLIFE Bar Casino Friday Night Spot Happy Hour Live Music Margarita Sports Bar Stiff Drink BUSINESSES Alternative Medicine Art Gallery Assisted Living Residence Auction/Estate Sales Auto Body/Repair Shop Bed & Breakfast Beer Selection Book Store Boutique Candy Shop Car Wash Caterer Clothing Store Community Involved Business Computer Repair Convenience Store Customer Service Day Care Family Friendly Restaurant Financial Institution Fishing Headquarters Florist Furniture Store Garden Supply/Nursery Golf Course Gun Store Hardware/Home Improvement Health & Fitness Gym Insurance Agent Jewelry Store Landscaper Liquor Store Lodging Motorcycle/ATV Dealer New Business Opened Within a Year New Car Dealer Non-Profit Office Supplies Pawn Shop Pest Control Pet Care/Boarding Pet Grooming Pet Supply Pharmacy Property Management Ranch Supply Store Real Estate Office Restaurant Salon Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store Supermarket Tax Preparation Thrift Store Tire Store Towing Unique Gifts Used Car Dealer Wine Selection

Nap’s Grille The Edge Fin’s Tap House Fin’s, The Edge and Nap’s (3 way tie) Bitterroot Brewery Fiesta En Jalisco The Edge Westslope Distillery Two Poppies Art Focus Bee Hive Swanson Estate Innovative Auto Bitterroot River B&B Higherground Chapter One Flower Happy Big Sky Candy Splash Mineshaft Ford’s Maria’s Grizzly Broadband Corvallis Merc Montana Made Coffee Curious Minds Nap’s Grille Farmers State Bank Bob Wards Flower Happy Bitterroot Furniture K&S Nursery Hamilton Golf Club Bitterroot Trading Post Evans Ace Iron Horse Taylor King Mikesell’s Jewelry Vern’s Landscape Cheer’s Bitterroot River Inn Al’s Cycle Montana Made Coffee Mildenberger Emma’s House The Paper Clip Bitterroot Trading Post Bug Off Daly Dog Care Wags and Woofs Murdoch’s Bitterroot Drug Caras Murdoch’s Engel & Volkers Nap’s Grille Bittersweet Salon Bob Wards Super 1 Foods H&R Block Ravalli Services Tire Rama Wimps Between the Worlds; Two Poppies (Tie) Quality Motors Jessi’s Wine and Goods

Ravalli Republic, Friday, June 25, 2021 - 39

THANK YOU! For voting Hamilton School District Bitterroot’s Best Employer

It’s our employees who make the District the Best.

Hamilton School District

Dedicated to excellence in education.

140 Bitterroot Plaza, Hamilton 375-0007 TheEdgeRestaurant.com 11AM - 10PM

VOTED BITTERROOT’S BEST 2021

appetizers, casino, happy hour, sports bar, outdoor dining.

SPIRITS • BEER • WINE • MIXERS

OPEN• 7BEER DAYS 8:30AM - 11PM• MIXERS SPIRITS • WINE 375-0006 OPEN 7 DAYS 8:30AM - 11PM

375-0006