Articles written by Griffen Smith
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Senior center to launch website, Looking for sponsors
The Seeley Lake Senior Center (Sela Senci) took a step into the future this month, launching its first-ever website, which organizers hope will bring more attention and fundraising to the center. Senior Center President Debbie Anderson said the...
Fire chief defends himself over Pathfinder story, Talk call numbers
The Seeley Lake Rural Fire District Board heard remarks from its fire chief over a recent Pathfinder story, approved its spending, checked in call numbers and talked about potential grants during its Jan. 16 meeting. Dave Lane, the fire chief, said h...
County changes 'policy' for Seeley Lake SMA septics, says data appears concerning
The Missoula County Health Department now requires tighter standards for septic systems in the Seeley Lake Special Management Area (SMA) as officials said the best available data from the area shows...
First responders rescue two snowmobilers near Lake Marshall
Two snowmobilers got stuck off trail above Marshall Lake on the evening of Jan. 13, prompting Seeley Swan Search and Rescue and Two Bear Air to extract them amid extremely cold temperatures. Seeley Swan Search and Rescue Chief Ken Brochu said the...
Boys can't hold on against Lincoln, get first district win against Valley
The Seeley Swan High School Boys Basketball Team could not make enough shots on the road against Lincoln on Jan. 19, but rallied back against Valley Christian for a win at home on Jan. 20. Head Coach...
Lady Blackhawks split weekend - fall to Lincoln, top Valley
The Seeley Swan High School Girls Basketball Team was dealt a narrow road loss against Lincoln High School on Jan. 19 and then took a commanding victory over Valley Christian on Jan. 20. The Lady...
New chapter starts for Flathead National Forest Supervisor
The newly-hired Flathead National Forest Supervisor said he's always admired the natural beauty and extensive wilderness of western Montana. Now he gets to oversee three district rangers across...
CRC points out areas of concern, ecosystem delicacy during water report
Water data from the Clearwater Resource Council and the Seeley Lake Sewer District showed an area of concern near Riverview Drive Bridge and highlighted how sediments from burn scars and dirt roads...
Records: fire chief care case has disputed facts
County records show at least two facts used during the punishment of a Seeley Lake Rural Fire District Chief do not match Seeley Lake records from the 2022 incident, according to an independent... Full story
Lack of snow hurts town economy
Jack Frost went missing this December, and local Seeley Lake businesses said the lack of snow has hurt the town's winter sports economy, although there might be relief in sight. The Clearwater, Swan a...
Pathfinder editor to exit role this month
It is with a heavy heart that I announce I will be leaving the role as Pathfinder editor in the coming weeks. Seven months ago, I started the job wondering if anyone still read the newspaper, or if the days of local journalism had come to a close. I...
Lady Blackhawks sweep weekend with two blowouts
The Seeley Swan High School Girls Basketball Team cemented two commanding victories over St. Regis and Hot Springs last weekend, giving the team momentum as it turns its focus toward district...
Boys working through illness, respond with win at Hot Springs
The Seeley Swan High School Boys Basketball team is working through a team-wide sickness, which hurt them in its loss versus St. Regis on Jan. 5, but the team rallied back to steal a victory from Hot...
Wolf trappers speak out on lawsuit
This article has been corrected after inaccurate quotes from Rob Henrekin were discovered The wolf trapping season for much of Montana started on Jan. 1 after a delay from a lawsuit concerned for the...
One dead, two injured in car crash near Ovando
One person died and two people were injured in a head-on car crash in Powell County on Friday, Dec. 22, according to the Montana Highway Patrol. At around 9:30 a.m., a Subaru Outback, driven by a 34-year-old man from Missoula, was headed eastbound...
Electric hooked up to nordic trailhead
Seeley Lake skiers will notice a new blanket of light this winter, as the Seeley Lake Nordic Club successfully routed electricity up Morrell Creek Road to power three overhead lights at the trailhead...
Sunset School play promotes uniqueness
Saving Christmas from the Wicked Wazzu took center stage of the Paws Up Bull Barn last Wednesday, Dec. 20, as the Sunset School put on a play to emphasize uniqueness and holiday laughs. The...
DEQ: Holland Lake sewer hasn't damaged surrounding groundwater
New monitoring wells drilled around the Holland Lake Wastewater System showed the two sewage lagoons have not contaminated groundwater, according to both the Forest Service and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Testing at the site...
Ferndale man charged with murder, shooting two others
A Ferndale man is facing one count of deliberate homicide after he allegedly shot and killed one person and injured two more earlier in December. Police took Matthew T. Vitek, 49, into custody on Dec. 10 after multiple callers reported gunshots near...
Boys basketball take win from Charlo, loss to Drummond
The Seeley Swan High School Boys Basketball Team cemented another win against Charlo and lost to Drummond, leaving the team with a 4-2 record going into Christmas break. Both Drummond and Charlo were...
Lady Blackhawks drop to Drummond, Charlo
The Seeley Swan High School Girls Basketball Team didn't come up with a win this week, dropping games to Drummond on Dec. 19 and Charlo on Dec. 21. The team is sitting at 2-4 on the year, but Co-Head...
Swan Valley Library gifts students books
Students across the Swan Valley got an extra Christmas present this year, as the Swan Valley Library and Swan Valley School worked together to gift a book to each student. Swan Valley Librarian Jenny...
Rich Ranch celebrates its people
Longtime residents, visitors and those checking out the area for the first time descended on the Rich Ranch last Sunday, Dec. 17, to celebrate another year of appreciating Montana's scenic outdoors...
One dead, two injured in car crash near Ovando
One person died and two people were injured in a head-on car crash in Powell County on Friday, Dec. 22, according to the Montana Highway Patrol. At around 9:30 a.m., a Subaru Outback, driven by a 34-year-old man from Missoula, was headed eastbound...
Ovando play combines Christmas, Wizard of Oz
The students of Ovando's school transported out of Ovando, and even Kansas, to recite the Wizard of Oz story with a Christmas twist. The school play featured musical numbers, the classic cast of the...