By: Sandra Beder-Miller
“You have Cancer.” Three words you do not want to hear from your doctor. Once the shock wears off, the reality sets in. You check what insurance will cover and where you need to get treatment. Living in Lincoln County, specialized treatment requires numerous trips to Kalispell, Coeur D’Alene, Seattle, or cross country. Insurance will cover most of the treatment costs but not the travel costs associated with getting to the hospital or the living expenses needed to remain close to the hospital.
Lincoln County WINGS was established in the late 1990’s to meet this need. The WINGS organization grew out of discussions among a cancer patient, a doctor, and a social worker in the Flathead Valley. The cancer patient wanted to find a way to give back to the community for the financial generosity he/she received from friends and other community members during the very long treatment process. These discussions grew to include people from the Lincoln County communities of Eureka, Libby, Troy and the Yaak.
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Big Sky Bash Concert Event Returns For 10th Anniversary After Three-Year Hiatus
Submitted By The CARD Clinic
The Big Sky Bash concert event, a popular music festival in Libby, Montana, is back after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The event, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, will be held at J. Neils Park on Saturday, August 2, 2023.
Music fans from all over Montana and neighboring states are eagerly looking forward to this years event, which promises to be as big and exiting as previous years. The concert will feature a lineup of talented artists and bands that are sure to get the crowd energized.
We are excited to announce the Main Event at this year’s Big Sky Bash on Aug. 5th is acclaimed country artist and Academy of Country Music award winner Joe Nichols!
The event is being organized by a team of experienced volunteers who are committed to making the event a huge success. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that all details are in place to ensue that attendees have a safe and enjoyable evening.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Big Sky Bash concert event,” said the event’s organizers. “this years event promises to be a fantastic celebration of music and community, and we cant wait to welcome fans back to Neils Park.”
Tickets for the event will be available for purchase starting on April 30, 2023, and fans are encouraged to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment.
For more information about the Big Sky Bash concert event, visit the official website at www.libbyasbestos.org or follow the event on social media for the latest updates.
Tender Lovin’ Quilters of Troy Annual Quilting 101, Saturday April 22
Submitted by Tammy Anderson
Tender Lovin’ Quilters of Troy would like to announce their annual Quilting 101 event to be offered on Saturday April 22 at the Troy United Methodist Fellowship Hall. This is a free event offered to all to maintain and promote the art of quilting.
The ½ hour morning demonstrations are offered with no sign up needed. Beginning at 9AM, a Quilter’s Treasure Trove sale will be available for 30 minutes, quilt guild members will have a variety of quilting related items for sale at bargain basement prices.
A variety of short demonstrations will start at 9:30 on numerous quilting related subjects including but not limited to How to get started, Wool Applique, Binding Basics, Snippet Bowls, Triangle bowls, Star folded potholders, Strip quilting and Crumb quilt blocks.
A Door prize will be given out just before noon and all attendees are invited to stay and enjoy a potato bar luncheon with dessert, courtesy of the Tender Lovin’ Quilt guild.
The afternoon class is limited to 15 people and there will be a class fee of $20, participants will be making a Woven Trinket Basket. This class will require a sewing machine, various supplies and preregistration, anyone interested may sign up via e-mail pksargent70@yahoo.com or call Patty at 295-8007. A full list and details are available upon sign up.
Public invited to learn more about MT 37 Bridge Preservation project
Submitted by Brandon Coates
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Forsgren Associates are inviting the public to learn more about planned improvements on 11 bridges on Montana Highway 37 (MT 37) between Libby and Eureka.
An in-person open house will be held on Thursday, April 27, at Lincoln County High School, 340 9th Street in Eureka.
The public is invited to stop by anytime between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Project staff members will be available to share information about the needed bridge repairs and anticipated construction activities, and answer questions from the public.
Two virtual open houses will be held online via Zoom on Tuesday, April 25, from Noon to 1 p.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m. To register for a virtual open house and learn more, visit the project website at: mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/mt37bridge.
These online events are an opportunity for the public who are unable to attend the in person open house to learn more about the planned bridge repairs and ask questions. Both virtual open houses will provide identical information.
In 2020, MDT and Forsgren Associates evaluated the 11 bridges, developed preliminary plans to rehabilitate them, and presented them to the public. Forsgren Associates then refined the engineering designs and plans for construction.
The final designs for improvements will be shared at the open houses for public input.
“These bridges were built between 1959 and 1974 and are in need of repairs and some routine maintenance to keep them up to standard,” said DeWayne Wilson, MDT Missoula District Bridge Engineer. “The MDT Bridge Bureau inspects Montana’s bridges on a regular basis and these bridges are safe to drive on. The recommended repairs will keep them functional for many years to come.”
Once design plans are finalized, these bridges will be eligible for construction. Construction could begin as early as 2024 dependent on the availability of funding.
Questions and comments can be sent to Brandon Coates, Public Involvement Manager, by email at brandon@rbci.net or by phone at 406-465-3350.
The Department of Transportation will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the MT 37 Bridge Preservation public meetings or need an alternative accessible format of this notice.
If you require an accommodation, contact the Department of Transportation no later than April 20, 2023, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need.
Please contact Matt Maze, Office of Civil Rights, P.O. Box 201001, Helena, Montana 59620; telephone 406-444-5416; Montana Relay 711; facsimile 406-444-7243; or e-mail to mmaze@mt.gov.
Opening Day for the Farmers Market at Libby, May 4
Submitted by Libby Chamber of Commerce
Opening Day for The Farmers Market at Libby, organized by the Libby Chamber of Commerce, is Thursday May 4th!
Come by between 3-630pm to see your favorite vendors and meet some new ones at the Chamber Parking Lot .
We are starting off with a bang (or pew pew) with a Star Wars themed market in honor of May The Fourth Be With You! Dress up in your favorite Star Wars themed gear or just stop by to maybe see a Wookie, Storm Trooper, or Jedi. We are looking forward to an amazing 2023 season full of local crafts and local food!
We will be open every Thursday, rain or shine, through the end of September.
We are proud to accept SNAP/EBT, Double SNAP, and Senior Nutrition Program Coupons for qualified shoppers and vendors.
Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages (The Farmers Market at Libby) to hear all the latest news, updates, and vendor spotlights.
Vendors have until April 24th to get their applications in for approval to vend on May 4th.
Find all the necessary details at www.libbychamber.org. For more information on this topic, please contact Market Manager (406) 293-4167 or email marketmaster@libbychamber.org.