Articles from the February 21, 2019 edition


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  • Driver sustained minor injuries in semi rollover

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE – Just before 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 a semi truck loaded with milled lumber lost control and took out 350 feet of guardrail along the north end of Salmon Lake. The vehicle rolled, scattering lumber down the hill. No other vehicles were involved and the driver was transported to Missoula with minor injuries. According to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Billy Muñoz, the truck driver from Utah was traveling south from Columbia Falls, Mont. headed to Idaho. Around mile marker 8 on Hi...

  • Answering the call

    Betty Vanderwielen, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    Part I of "Answering the call" discussed how Parcell's early career in the Marine Corps was interwoven with his law enforcement career with the Missoula County Sheriff's Office. After two years in Hawaii, Parcell was again deactivated and in 2003 he moved his family back to Condon while he resumed his civilian law enforcement career as Deputy Sheriff in the Seeley Lake and Swan Valleys. However, in just under a year he was once again activated, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom....

  • Plungers freezin' for a reason

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE – Despite several plungers unable to take a dip due to illness, 17 hardy folks made a splash in Seeley Lake at Tamaracks Resort for the second annual Chamber Chill Plunge Feb. 16. Proceeds from the event benefited the Veterans & Families of Seeley Lake and Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. This year the event added a stage for plungers, decorated the plunge area and tents with an American theme and used propane heaters to heat the warm-up tents. "This allowed for a warmer, m...

  • Ladies take District 13C Title

    Nathan Bourne, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    FRENCHTOWN - The Lady Blackhawks defeated the Darby Tigers for the District 13C Title Feb. 16. On their way to the top the Ladies got a bye in the first round and then defeated the Lincoln Lynx in the semifinal. The championship game started out in true Lady Blackhawks fashion as they poured in the baskets and left the Tigers to eating scraps. By the end of the first buzzer the Lady Blackhawks were up 15-4. The Tigers soon began to demand a bigger piece of the pie. The teams went nearly point...

  • New policy is a problem at Seeley Lake Post Office

    Kathy Davis, Seeley Lake, Mont.|Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE - The problem with the local US Post Office in Seeley Lake is that the current postmaster has installed a policy of returning any letters or packages that do not have a post office box number in the address. This is against the Montana postal policy of “local knowledge.” “Local knowledge” means that the postmaster and postal clerks use reasonable effort to make sure that the mail is delivered to the appropriate box. Having spoken at length to the postmaster and not getting a satisfactory response, I asked, and received, the number...

  • Help prevent the spread of mussels

    Willis Curdy, Missoula, Mont.|Feb 21, 2019

    If zebra mussels are allowed to gain a foothold in Montana waters, it could cost Montanans hundreds of millions of dollars per year. It might seem dramatic, but it’s true—certain invasive species of mussels could do a massive amount of damage to Montana lakes, rivers and water supply. If we don’t do anything about it, it’ll be Montanans footing the bill. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation released a new report outlining the enormous economic damage to Montana’s economy if invasive mussels were allowed to prolifera...

  • Building the budget up

    Representative Mike Hopkins - R, House District 92|Feb 21, 2019

    We are two weeks out from the deadline for General Policy bills in the legislature. These are policy bills that do not have any dollars associated with them. Every committee has been having full hearing schedules trying to work through them all and either pass or fail them before the deadline. This also means that you can count on seeing a substantial increase in the number of bills coming alive this week as legislators try to get their bills through the process in time. Any bill that deals with money, whether it is appropriating dollars or dea...

  • Snow Joke Half Marathon turns 40

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE - The Snow Joke Half Marathon celebrates its 40th anniversary this year under new ownership. Run Wild Missoula and the Missoulian are teaming up to produce the event where hundreds of runners take a lap around Seeley Lake Feb. 23. “It’s an iconic event, in Montana and certainly in western Montana,” said Tony Banovich, executive director of Run Wild Missoula. “We wanted to make sure it continues … as a successful event, so we’re happy to come and provide our operational know-how.” Formed in 2006, Run Wild Missoula has received wide...

  • Smoke study reports health impacts a year later

    Nathan Bourne, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE - The Seeley Lake Community Council hosted presentations on a local wildfire smoke study, wildfire preparedness and the Seeley Lake Water District at their Feb. 11 meeting. In other business, Acting Seeley Lake District Ranger Quinn Carver introduced himself to those in attendance. The Council is still waiting for a reply from the Montana Department of Transportation about their request for lit speed signs. University of Montana researcher Chris Migliaccio presented data from the wildfire smoke study that looked into the impacts on...

  • Securing a native trout stronghold in the North Fork Blackfoot River

    Patrick Uthe, Blackfoot Area fisheries biologist - Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks|Feb 21, 2019

    The North Fork Blackfoot River is one of the most important spawning and rearing streams for migratory bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in the Blackfoot River watershed. Private landowners, watershed groups and government agencies have worked tirelessly for decades to address limiting factors throughout the lower sections of the river. Today, all major diversions on the North Fork have fish screens, resulting in full connectivity for migrating trout. Furthermore, many water conservation...

  • Cox shares tales of the West Side

    Betty Vanderwielen, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE – Twenty-five people, most on snowshoes, showed up at the River Point Campground to learn about Seeley Lake's "West Side Story." The Feb. 16 excursion was sponsored by the Seeley Lake Historical Society and led by long-time resident Ron Cox. Cox's first story referred to the snowmobile races that used to take place on Seeley Lake. Cox said one year Bruce Copenhaver drove a bulldozer onto the ice to scrape a course for the race. According to Cox, "[the bulldozer] went into the d...

  • Bonnie Dot Penner September 7, 1937 - January 19, 2019

    Feb 21, 2019

    BIGFORK, MONT. - Bonnie Dot Penner, 81 of Bigfork, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 19. Bonnie, affectionately known to others as “Tiny,” was born Sept. 7, 1937 to Austin and Nellda Oillree in Rexburg, Idaho, joining older sister Lois and brothers Gary and Larry. The family relocated to Ovando. She attended Missoula County High School in Missoula and graduated in 1955. Bonnie’s greatest treasure was her family. She loved celebrations that brought the entire extended family together. Any chance to gather, play cards, tell stories and enjoy a famil...

  • Shinbashira - God as our Rock

    Pastor Erik Iverson, Faith Lutheran - Condon & Holy Cross Lutheran - Seeley Lake|Feb 21, 2019

    “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” As any good builder can tell you, when constructing a building of any size, one of the first and most crucial elements is to establish a solid foundation. Without this, any further construction, no matter how precise or well-built, will be compromised. This is even more tr...

  • Insurance and covenants restricting RV Park discussed

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE – The Seeley Lake Hospital District approved purchasing Directors and Officer insurance and discussed the children’s area in the lobby at their Feb. 12 meeting. During public comment, they discussed the resolution they passed at their January meeting that denied the request to change the covenants that would allow the proposed RV Park development in the Deer Creek Subdivision. District Clerk Marty Kux presented the board with information regarding Directors and Officers insurance. D&O insurance is designed to protect the board membe...

  • Fun with snow, ice and color

    Andi Bourne, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE – The annual snow sculpture tradition in Seeley Lake was kept alive by two entries from ReMarkable Floral and Stageline Pizza. Both entries secured a first place with ReMarkable Floral winning the business category and $100 and Stageline Pizza winning the snowman category and $25. The Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Alpine Artisans, Inc. sponsored this year's contest. Due to the lack of snow in January, the Chamber postponed the event until Feb. 17. Even though the snow e...

  • Community Briefs

    Feb 21, 2019

    Public invited to meet SSHS Principal candidates, join MCPS superintendent search SEELEY LAKE – The community is invited to meet the three Seeley-Swan High School principal candidates and offer their feedback Thursday, Feb. 21 from 8:15 – 9 a.m. at SSHS. Dr. Kathleen Pecora, SSHS principal, will be retiring in June. The three candidates include Wendy Hansmann from Missoula County Public Schools, Kellen Palmer from Douglas, Wyo. and current SSHS Science teacher Tonya Smith. Missoula County Public Schools Superintendent Mark Thane is also retirin...

  • SSHS Blackhawks recognize seniors

    Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE - Seeley-Swan High School recognized their senior basketball athletes and managers along with their families at the last home game of the season Friday, Feb. 8....

  • Blackhawks season ends at challenge game

    Nathan Bourne, Pathfinder|Feb 21, 2019

    FRENCHTOWN - The Blackhawks had a bumpy ride at the District 13C tournament defeating Victor in a semifinal, falling to Darby in the championship game and then being upset by the Clark Fork Coop in a challenge game. The Blackhawks easily rolled over Victor Feb. 15, outscoring the Pirates in every frame to a final score of 69-41. Three Blackhawks scored into the double digits. Owen Mercado led the way with 21 followed by Cordell Turner with 19 and Chance Johnson scoring 14. The Boys hit 13 of 20...

  • Greyson Martin Taylor

    Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE - Greyson Martin Taylor was born Dec. 31, 2018 to parents Tanisha Rhoades and Austin Taylor of Seeley Lake. He weighted 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19.75 inches long. Greyson was also welcomed by proud grandparents David Rhoades of Seeley Lake; Carsheena Higgins of Minnesota; Scott Taylor of Everett, Wash. and Brandi Rasmussen of Everett, Wash....

  • Ryson Edward Adams

    Feb 21, 2019

    SEELEY LAKE - Ryson Edward Adams was born Feb. 7 to Rachel Jennings and Ryan Adams of Seeley Lake. He weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Ryson was welcomed by proud grandparents Joann and Dave Wallenburn of Seeley Lake, Elaine Adams of Seeley Lake and Dennis and Kate Johnson of Pensacola, Florida. His grandpa Roy celebrated his birth in heaven....

  • Lawmakers Weigh Bills on DUI, Child and Family Services, Abortion and Student Overtime Pay

    Shaylee Ragar and Tim Pierce, UM Legislative News Service University of Montana School of Journalism|Feb 21, 2019

    As Montana lawmakers consider overhauling the state’s DUI laws, the Montana Highway Patrol wants to dispel myths about blood alcohol levels. Last week, the Highway Patrol hosted a demonstration for lawmakers to show just how much alcohol it actually takes to be beyond legal limits. The event included four volunteers from Highway Patrol who drank a substantial amount within two hours, and then were given a field sobriety test, including a walk-and-turn test. It proved to be tricky for some. Participant Terie Moseman says she volunteered b...