Articles from the January 30, 2020 edition


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  • Superintendent's contract not renewed on split vote

    Nathan Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – The Seeley Lake Elementary School Board voted at their Jan. 21 meeting to not renew Superintendent Daniel Schrock’s contract but invited him to reapply for the job. Ahead of the decision, the Board preformed an evaluation of Schrock. He waived his rights to privacy allowing the public to remain in the meeting. Schrock was awarded a one-year contract last August to replace former Superintendent Chris Stout, who resigned in June. The Board must renew or not renew the superintendent’s contract by February. More than 20 people atten...

  • Surviving the elements

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – Pilots train hard for a potential emergency landing. However, having the knowledge to survive after landing the aircraft in mountainous terrain during the winter season is a whole different skill set. More than 20 individuals learned and practiced their survival skills at the Surratt Memorial Winter Survival Course held in Seeley Lake Jan. 24-26. While everyone recalled different parts of the training stood out, the focus was clear - the best chance for survival in an emergency w...

  • Laughs flow freely at Western Burlesque

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – Last Chance Saloon Owner Jerry O'Connell was faced with a tough decision. After posting for auditions to perform at his saloon, O'Connell couldn't decide between the six groups that auditioned. Following the last performance, he proclaimed, "I think we are going to hire everybody. Drinks on the house!" Friday night around 90 attendees at the "Western Burlesque" were taken back to the late 1800's in the Last Chance Saloon when times were tough and the alcohol flowed freely. While a...

  • Sit back and enjoy the show

    William Campbell, Seeley Lake, Mont.|Jan 30, 2020

    This is a response to last week’s letter to the editor from Joan, regarding her response to an article the previous week regarding the impeachment proceedings. While I respect you both and acknowledge that both articles were passionately written, written according to both of your beliefs, I would suggest that it may be time in this country for us all to just step back and take a deep breath. I am neither taking a position to defend the president, nor the Democratic party for attempting to impeach him. As to our Constitution, I suggest we leave...

  • Disappointed grandparents!

    Jim and Deb Blodgett, Seeley Lake, Mont.|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE - As Grandparents and community members of Seeley Lake we are very concerned and upset with the fact that our Superintendent will not have his contract renewed after only five months at Seeley Lake Elementary. We want to know what specific written expectations he was given when hired and what he needed to accomplish in this past five months to justify his contract not being renewed? What are the expectations that he did not accomplish in the five months that validate his contract not being renewed? It cost more than $8,000 and now...

  • The pilots

    Dale Terrillion|Jan 30, 2020

    Some memorable things happened over the years cut'n timber. Some tragic, some funny. Over in Idaho on a helicopter job we had a gal pilot and an Aussi. Don't know if I got room for 'em both but I'll give it a shot. She was a good pilot fly'n the Huey 500 but she was usually lost – that is she couldn't remember which guy got out at what cutt'n strip. Ain't no wonder, she was probably scared to death, look'n at such an ugly crew first thing in the morning. Ripped coats, torn pants and black from o...

  • NorthWestern Energy scam hits Seeley Lake businesses

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – Monday, Jan. 27, two business in Seeley Lake reportedly received a call from someone posing to be NorthWestern Energy. They were told they had outstanding bills and unless they paid immediately their electric would be shut off that night. Following the call, Grizzly Claw Trading Co. Manager Kathy Kinzfogl immediately recognized that NorthWestern Energy was not their provider electric provider. She called Energy Partners, their propane heat source, and was told they were targets of a scam. Both Kinzfogl and Energy Partners a...

  • Logging continues around Big Larch Campground

    Seeley Lake Ranger District|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE - The second phase of timber management for root disease around the Big Larch Campground will start within the next two weeks. Bull Creek Forestry, a local contractor, will work to remove dead, dying and diseased trees around the campground to prevent further spread. While work will not be happening directly in the campground, machinery and crews will be working in the vicinity. The public is advised to be aware of heavy equipment and crews of workers nearby. The work is expected to be completed before the campground opens for the...

  • Missoula County looks to recruit 2020 election judges

    Missoula County Elections Office|Jan 30, 2020

    MISSOULA - The Missoula County Elections Office is encouraging civically engaged community members to serve as election judges for the 2020 primary and general elections. The office hopes to recruit 600 election judges, poll book judges and polling place managers for the upcoming election year. Election judges greet voters, issue ballots, operate equipment, answer questions and hand out “I voted” stickers. They are paid for their service and their training. Judges are asked to work the June primary and the general election in November for eit...

  • Propane explosion ignites house

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – Tuesday night, Jan. 21 the Seeley Lake Fire Department was paged out to a structure fire on Leota Peak Court. When Fire Chief Dave Lane arrived, the family was outside. They explained that there was a propane explosion. No one was injured and while the house is a mess and needs repair work, it is livable. Lane said when the snow slid off the roof, it hit the regulator for the propane tank. The fitting failed and the propane leaked and entered the house through an open vent. Since propane is heavier than air, it followed the path o...

  • Patient hardship and command vehicle addressed

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – The Seeley Lake Fire Board received updates from Fire Chief Dave Lane and voted for him to handle a patient hardship request at their Jan. 21 meeting. They also answered questions regarding the accident involving the command vehicle. Lane said the call volume for 2019 was 305, up 44 calls for 2018. They have a few new applications in for new members and more people are picking up applications to join the department. He felt this was very positive and looks forward to getting the new fire fighter recruits through their probation p...

  • Grizzly Bear Advisory Council member seeks public input

    Colleen Kesterson, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SWAN VALLEY - Volunteer Grizzly Bear Advisory Council member and Swan Valley Connections employee Jonathan Bowler talked about the need for public input concerning grizzly bear management. He also talked about the purpose and the work of the GBAC at the Swan Valley Community Council meeting Jan. 21. Grizzly bear populations continue to expand in Montana and even into areas that have not seen them in decades. It is creating management and conflict challenges demanding solutions. In April 2019 Montana Governor Steve Bullock directed the GBAC...

  • Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Vero files for 2020 Election

    Campaign for Juanita Vero|Jan 30, 2020

    MISSOULA - Fourth generation, lifelong resident of Missoula County and current County Commissioner Juanita Vero filed to run as the Democratic candidate in the 2020 election for Missoula County Commissioner on January 9, 2020. "I'm running to retain my seat because I believe in the Missoula County staff and citizens I work with daily," said Vero. I want citizens to know they've been heard by county leaders and empowered to create the community in which they want to live." Born and raised on the...

  • On a journey without end

    Stephen Moon, I am His to command|Jan 30, 2020

    Everyone possesses one of two spirits, that of the world or that of Yahuah. The spirit of the world sees that which is of the flesh and no eyes to see that which is of obedience unto everlasting life. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Yeshua, who is the image of Yahuah, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3,4. No one can do this without divine assistance. “But we have this treasure in earth...

  • Search and Rescue volunteers receive commendations

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – The Missoula County Sheriff's Office presented Sheriff Office Certificates of Commendation and Letters of Appreciation recognizing several Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue volunteers and citizens for their efforts during the rescue of five snowmobilers Dec. 15 and the recovery of two men buried in an avalanche Jan. 1 both in the Lake Dinah area. "I just want to say thank you," said Missoula County Sheriff TJ McDermott. "We could not do our mission without you and without this c...

  • Community Briefs

    Jan 30, 2020

    Death notice for Donald Schaff SEELEY LAKE - Donald J. Schaff, 88, of Seeley Lake, died Jan. 17 at The Living Center in Stevensville, Mont. A memorial mass is pending for Feb. 10 in Seeley Lake at Living Water Catholic Church with a reception to follow. Time TBA Bridge players wanted SEELEY LAKE – A Chicago-style Bridge group is looking for full-time or substitute card players to join their group. They meet at the Seeley Lake Senior Center Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. The group includes beginners and is not very serious. Anyone int...

  • Improvements made for this weekend's biathlon

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – Skiers and shooters will combine their skills on the Seeley Lake Nordic Trails for the Seeley Lake Biathlon Saturday, Feb. 1. Being the only citizens Biathlon in Montana, all experience levels are welcome to this very “Montana-esque” event. Racers can participate in either a 21K, 9K or 3K. Regardless of the total distance, skiers will do three loops. In between each lap they will shoot first standing and second prone. Penalty laps are skied for all missed shots. This past summer, the Seeley Lake Nordic Club improved the cours...

  • Skiers take to the trails for annual OSCR

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – Groomers hit the trails at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 to prepare the course for this year's OSCR, "Over Seeley's Creeks and Ridges." Nearly 120 racers came from all over the northwest including racers from Minnesota and Alaska for this year's 50K, 25K, 10K and 5K races Jan. 25. This year's race was a double loop format for the 50K. 50K racers started to trickle in for their second loop following the start of the 25K. With no new snow to work with and warm temperatures, the c...

  • Seeley-Swan racks up the wins

    Nathan Bourne, Pathfinder|Jan 30, 2020

    SEELEY LAKE – The Seeley-Swan Lady Blackhawks and Blackhawks each added a pair of wins to their records last week on the road facing Valley Christian Jan. 24 and Granite Jan. 25. The Boys’ season record now stands at 11-1 while the Ladies have a 10-2 season record. The Lady Blackhawks decimated Valley Christian, holding them to two or less baskets per quarter. The final score was 59-13. Klaire Kovatch sunk 10 baskets and a free throw to lead the Lady Blackhawks with 21 points. Emily Maughan, Sariah Maughan, Terra Bertsch and Bethany Hoag eac...

  • Montana lawmakers support the VCFCA

    Tammy Mehlhaff, Billings, Mont.|Jan 30, 2020

    Montanans save an estimated $37 million annually since we outlawed payday loan products and services in 2010. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is currently looking to roll back a common-sense rule that would ensure that borrowers can repay their loans before they sign on the dotted line. Short of a statewide payday loan interest rate cap, as our state and several other states have implemented, the rule was supposed to help keep average everyday people out of the debt trap. Luckily, some members of Congress are leading a bill that would...

  • Support the Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act

    Katie Sutton, Billings, Mont.|Jan 30, 2020

    Senator Daines seeks to create better public banking. Postal Banking would help Montanans gain better access to banking services. Federal law requires one post office per zip code, but this isn’t the same expectation for banks. US Postal Service can already complete banking services like check cashing and money orders; this bill would allow them to offer bank accounts and even offer short-term, small dollar loans. Representative Gianforte wants to stop robocalls by requiring telecommunications companies to “implement call authentication tec...