Despite Invitation, Militia Not Materializing In Darby

A national call from the North American Volunteer Militia for members to gather in the Bitterroot Valley apparently is going unheeded, so far, and Town Marshal Larry Rose says that’s just fine with him.

Rose said Wednesday he also is aware of threats the militia will target him personally, but it hasn’t happened and support is growing with other citizens.

“There’s very few people involved in this (militia) activity compared to the ones who are supporting me,” Rose said. “I had a bunch of guys circle my house the other night to stand watch, so I could get some sleep,” he said.

The Highway Patrol also has increased its activity in the area, he said.

Earlier this week, the militia’s national director, Joe Holland, sent a notice to militia members urging them to gather in Hamilton and Darby on Wednesday.

Before that call, advertisements also told of a mock trial in Woodside, north of Hamilton, slated for tonight. Officials said the ads came from the Broken Arrow Elk Ranch, operated by militia leader Calvin Greenup.

Rose said the trial might be nothing more than a discussion and there have been no reports of militia members converging on the area.