Community Briefs

Forest Service Roads Closed to Wheeled Vehicles

SEELEY LAKE – Due to the recent snow, the Seeley Lake Ranger District along with the Seeley Lake Driftriders Snowmobile Club began the Forest Service road closure process Monday afternoon, Dec. 5.

While there is still not enough snow for grooming, SLRD recreation staff said the closure allows a solid base to build without ruts. It also promotes public safety by preventing drivers from getting stuck.

For more information about road closures stop in or call the SLRD, 406-677-2233. The information is also available on the Over-The-Snow Vehicle map for winter recreationist. The map is available for free at the district.

Swan Valley AARP December Meeting, Dec. 12

SWAN VALLEY - AARP will be meeting at the Swan Valley Community Hall at noon on Dec. 12 for the monthly potluck. Christmas ham will be provided!

The program will feature the Seeley Swan Mountain Bells Quintet, as well as a Christmas Carol sing-along led by Ellie Greenough. Guests are always welcome.

Public Invited to Seeley Lake Open House, Dec. 15

SEELEY LAKE - The Seeley Lake Ranger District will host a community open house at the Seeley Lake Ranger District office on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 4 - 6 p.m.

 The event is open to the public and is an opportunity for members of the public to meet with District Ranger Rachel Feigley and her staff to discuss both specific project information as well as general fieldwork the district implemented over the past summer.

The event will not include formal presentations but district staff will be on hand to answer any questions members of the public might have about district activities. The district staff will provide drinks and appetizers for those attending.

The district office is located just off Highway 83 three miles north of the town of Seeley Lake at mile marker 18, on the west side of the highway.

For more information please contact the Seeley Lake Ranger District at 406-677-2233.

New Application Deadline for Recreational Trails and OHV Grant Program

Applications accepted through Feb. 1, 2017

HELENA – Montana State Parks announced a timeline change for two trails grant programs. The grant application deadline for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and the Off-Highway Vehicle Program (OHV) will move to Feb. 1. Typically, March 1 has been the deadline for RTP and July 1 for OHV. Both grant programs will began accepting applications Nov. 22 through the online system at fundingmt.org.

 A coordinated grant cycle between two important trail-related funding sources will allow applicants to apply to both programs and receive funds in the same timeframe to allow better planning for projects and expenditures.

Help Your Neighbor Stay Warm this Winter

MISSOULA - Are you or someone you know worried about how those home energy bills are going to be paid this winter? Energy Share of Montana is accepting applications for emergency heating assistance at District XI HRC in Missoula, 406-728-3710.

Energy Share is a private nonprofit organization that helps Montanans who are facing financial difficulties which may result in loss of heat or lights in their home due to circumstances beyond their control. Energy Share helps people no matter what their heat source. However, the assistance is usually only once every ten years because the organization is truly a source of emergency funds, intended to complement government assistance programs but not replace them.

Energy Share helps an average of about 2,500 families per year (more than 6,000 individuals) statewide. The organizational structure is unique because the applications are reviewed individually, allowing applicants to explain the difficult circumstances they are facing.

The only way Energy Share can provide the individual attention it does to each application is through a cooperative effort. While all of Energy Share’s stakeholders are involved at some level, the nuts and bolts of Energy Share “happens” with the ten HRDCs across the state and the volunteer Local Energy Share Committees that each HRDC coordinates. Committees across the state vary as dictated by the specific needs of the community. These Committee members donate many hours on behalf of the organizations they represent.

For more information on how to apply or how to help, visit http://www.energysharemt.com or call 1-888-779-7589. An informational donation envelope or pledge card is sent with the November utility bills or, for members of an electric cooperative, in the “Rural Montana” magazine.

Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Call Activity 11/28/16 – 12/4/16

11/30, 1:19 p.m., 30XX Highway 83N, Seeley Lake: Accident – No Injury.

12/3, 12:59 p.m., 2XX Montana Drive, Seeley Lake: Slide-In No Property Damage

12/3, 2:37 p.m., Montana Drive & Grayling Drive, Seeley Lake: Slide-In No Property Damage

12/4, 1:09 a.m., S. Coloma Way, Potomac: Accident – No Injury.

12/4, 11:28 a.m., 386XX Highway 200 E: Accident – Injury.

12/4, 11:58 a.m., Highway 83N north of Lake Inez: Slide-In No Property Damage

12/4, 7:19 p.m., Highway 83N, Lake Alva: Accident – No Injury.