Articles written by Griffen Smith
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Tips and tricks for becoming a better social media consumer
University of Montana professor of Journalism Lee Banville said the engagement of malicious or false information is just a part of how social media works. Much like how a sensational newspaper would...
How Internet crimes continue to move faster than the law
Missoula County Sheriff's Office Detective Garret Van Hoose's spends many of his work hours learning how to hack ethically and track down criminals all through an IP address. He is a member of the...
What does online community look like today?
Beginning note: In the age of online information and fast paced technology, understanding how today's people communicate seems daunting. The Pathfinder talked to professors, law enforcement, mental...
Sugar gliders thrive in the Kesterke home
SEELEY LAKE - At 10 o'clock at night, one member of the Kesterke family mixes together fruits and vegetables to make a healthy "sugar glider salad." The nightly snack is for their small lovable pets,...
Bullock: Counties given option for all mail-in ballot
Governor Steve Bullock announced Aug. 6 that like the June primary, counties will be able to opt in to an all-mail voting system. He also directed early voting to be expanded based on recommendations... Full story
Plan to resume fall sports despite pandemic
The Montana High School Association (MHSA) released a plan for returning to sports in light of the coronavirus. The 20-page document details restrictions for fans and athletes during games, but emphasized youth sports will return for the fall school... Full story
YFC Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon runs through River Point
SEELEY LAKE - Racers clad in wetsuits waited patiently under the starting arch of the Youth For Christ Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon on Aug 1. The race, located on the River Point Campground and par...
Local candidates get creative in campaigning during coronavirus
In a normal year politicians running for office are often speaking to potential voters, canvassing neighborhoods and holding fundraisers. But with COVID-19, local candidates have to try to connect...
Jackie's Espresso expands to Seeley Lake
SEELEY LAKE - When she started her first coffee shop in 2005, Jackie Callison did not think her business would be where it is today. Now, she has three coffee kiosks in small towns in western Montana,...
Hiking Holland Peak
Directions: Drive north on Highway 83 approximately 28 miles from Seeley Lake, or two miles south of Condon (mile marker 39). Turn east onto Rumble Creek Road. Follow the road four miles to the... Full story
Spearfishers converge on Placid Lake
PLACID LAKE - Dark wetsuits and orange spears floated above the water of Placid Lake July 25 as members of the Missoula-based spearfishing club joined forced with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks,...
Local high schoolers excel at Big Sky State Games
BILLINGS, MONTANA - Though the 2020 track season never left the starting line due to COVID-19, Seeley-Swan High School senior Klaire Kovatch and her sophomore brother Klayton did not miss a beat...
Missoula County Public Schools prepare for in-person schooling
MISSOULA - Missoula County Public Schools plans to bring back students for the Fall 2020 semester. In the July 14 board meeting, officials addressed what the district can do to keep students in the classroom without furthering the spread of... Full story
Missoula County requires masks in public spaces, with exceptions
MISSOULA - The Missoula City-County Health Department board voted unanimously to require facemasks in every indoor public space in the county at their July 9 meeting. They received over 4,000 comments from the public before the hearing, of which...
Upper Holland and Sapphire Lakes - Trail No. 415
Length: 7 miles (5.5 to Upper Holland, 1.5 to Sapphire) 14 miles roundtrip Elevation gain: 3,100 feet (2,100 to Upper Holland, 1,000 to Sapphire) Services: The trailhead is located near Holland Lake... Full story
Preparing for peak fire season, adjustments made for COVID-19
As Montana enters into July, the 2020 fire season is expected to put the state’s prevention and containment capabilities to the test. Not only is the current climate being compared to years like 2017 but officials are also working to present the...
Keeping the fireworks display afloat
As dusk approached Seeley Lake's Fourth of July, Tamaracks Resort owners Jessica and Jeff Kimmel waited patiently as the first ever fireworks show that they put on for the community was about to...
The new and traditional blend for Seeley Fourth
SEELEY LAKE - The Seeley Lake Volunteer Fire Foundation pancake breakfast kicked off the Fourth of July activities in Seeley Lake. Even though they modified a few things to accommodate with the...
Missoula County requires masks in public spaces, with exceptions
MISSOULA - The Missoula City-County Health Department board voted unanimously to require facemasks in every indoor public space in the county at their July 9 meeting. They received over 4,000 comments from the public before the hearing, of which... Full story
Health Department cautions Fourth of July events as cases rise
With an influx of visitors and coronavirus cases entering the Fourth of July weekend, the Missoula City-County Health Department asked event coordinators to be cautious on what is one of the busiest holidays in Seeley Lake. Though events are looking... Full story
Trail Creek Merc offers something for everyone
SEELEY LAKE - After decades of working for others, Lynda and Kevin Mickelson decided it was time for a change. The newly retired couple opened Trail Creek Merc on June 28, a one-stop-shop for gifts,...
Fourth of July - Be cautious with the upcoming fire season
The Fourth of July is an excellent time to get outside with family and friends and recreate on the Lolo National Forest. With more people out recreating, the Seeley Lake Ranger District is asking people to do their part when it comes to wildfire prev... Full story
Mountain lion takes dog in Seeley Lake
SEELEY LAKE - A Seeley Lake resident’s dog was killed by a mountain lion early Wednesday, June 16 off of Spruce Street. The last mountain lion sighting in the area was reported almost a month prior, but Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Cougar and...
Heart and Crescent Lakes
Distance: 4.3 miles (8.6 miles roundtrip) Difficulty: Moderate. Elevation gain: 1,368 feet Services: The trailhead has a relatively large parking lot with a pit toilet. No drinking water is available... Full story
Ovando takes hit from loss of cyclists
OVANDO - A cycling T-shirt hung for the first time on the side of Kathy Schoendoerfer's store, the Blackfoot Angler. On a normal year, hundreds of bike-packers, racers and cycling tours would have...
