By Ashley South
As of last week Dreamland Skateparks arrived back in Troy to complete phase two of the Troy Skatepark, locally known as “The Landing”. The existing concrete pad will get upgraded ramps and multiple skate feature additions. Last fall phase one of the skatepark was completed with an additional competition style skate bowl installment, funded by Montana Pool Service. The project completion is planned for early fall.
The Troy Skatepark renovations began with the City of Troy applied for and was rewarded with a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This grant also funded the new bathrooms at the Troy Museum and the upcoming Roosevelt Park splashpad. The skatepark project had the opportunity to match funds and received community donations to boost funding.
The Troy Skatepark Committee helped organize and plan for the renovations, along with inspiring contributions. The rebuild is a positive contribution to the local community and larger skate community, but it means the world to Kolby Zugg. A long-time supporter of the Troy Skatepark, he grew up skating on the existing pad and built some of the first ramps and rails. Zugg has an honorary bench dedicated to the park in his name. “I would like to thank the city of Troy for building an amazing skate park in honor of Kolby. A place like this will produce amazing skateboarders. When it comes down to it, it’s for the kids.” Eric Sanchez, one of Dreamland’s crew members.
New Docks Installed at Local Recreation Locations in Southern Lincoln County
Submitted by Dave Thorstenson, Recreation Manager, Three Rivers Ranger District
New docks have been installed at Dorr Skeels Campground, Bad Medicine Campground, and Alvord Lake’s Outdoor Classroom. The United States Forest Service Three Rivers District Trail and Recreation crew were able to salvage the old gangway from Bad Medicine and one section of Dorr Skeels old dock to install a dock at Alvord Lake’s boat ramp. The projects were funded by the Great American Outdoor Act. The Act secures millions in permanent funding each year for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, managed by the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior. These projects continue to improve public access for public land users.
Photo left: Dorr Skeels Campground, Photo middle: Alvord Lake Outdoor Classroom, Photo Right: Bad Medicine Campground
Kootenai Rapids Soccer Team Win State Cup
Photos Submitted by Troy School District
After a successful season The Kootenai Rapids Soccer Team of Troy and Libby, were led by Coach Cody Pallister to win the Montana State Cup in Helena, Montana on June 12th, 2023.
The team was unified with joy while they celebrated their win. To learn more about the Kootenai Rapids Soccer Programs please visit www.libbyyouthsoccer.org
Troy Library Hosts
Barbeque and Summer Reading Kick Off Event
By Ashley South
The Troy Friends of the Library held their annual Barbeque and Book Sale Summer Reading Kick Off Party.
Despite the heavy rain, multiple community members from Troy visited the event and enjoyed free hamburgers, hot dogs, the book sale, summer reading sign ups, games, and crafts. Volunteers helped run the multiple workshops and barbeque. For more Library events visit www.lincolncountylibraries.com
Libby Library Hosts “Bridging the Worlds” with Buck Hitswithhastick
Submitted by Alyssa Ramirez, Library Director
Lincoln County Library hosts Humanities Montana’s “Bridging the Worlds” with Buck Hitswithastick on June 21, 2023 (Libby Branch, noon) and June 22, 2023 (Troy Branch, noon). The presentation is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Library.
The Selis Qlispe Culture Committee once stated that: “We seek to guard and protect the culture and language of our ancestors so that it will not end or be lost.” Bridging the Worlds is a knowledge-based discussion centered on Salish-Bitterroot history and experience, which focuses on native warriorship and cultural knowledge-keeping. With 30 plus years of cultural immersion, language and wilderness experience, Buck Hitswithastick offers discussions on the concepts of wisdom, strength, and determination, which have been passed down by generations of his ancestors who overcame adversity. Buck makes this knowledge relatable to modern audiences by speaking on topics of leadership, warriorship and wellness through the lens of pre-European contact native culture, and early reservation history. His presentation, Bridging the Worlds, can be adapted to discussions on pre-European contact set-up tool making, native regalia and dance presentation, Native American “up-cycling, and assembly lectures on warriorship and wellbeing centered around the Salish medicine wheel.
For more information, please call Lincoln County Library at 406-293-2778.
Community Action
Partnership of Northwest Montana Announces Free in Person Home Buyer
Education Class in Libby, July 29th
Submitted by Sara A. Briggs, MA
Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM) – the only HUD-Certified Counseling agency in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties, announces its first ever in-person HUD approved Home Buyer Education classes in Libby, Montana, this July on Saturday, July 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Knowledge is power. Working with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency empowers you to make buying your first home a positive experience. You’ll have what it takes to make the right choices in buying, and in being a responsible homeowner.
All presenters at the workshop are from the Lincoln County area or have served Lincoln County clients. They will be available for presenting information on various loan products and the mortgage process, why credit is important, the inspection process and the closing on your loan.
This fair housing workshop is filled with home buyer education content is funded by NeighborWorks Montana which supports housing counselor trainings. The complimentary lunch is supported by the LOR Foundation. CAPNM’s Libby office works hard to support local clients improve their lives with employment and training programs as well as housing navigation support.
Sara Ann Briggs, the Financial Literacy Specialist at CAPNM who is organizing the program and presenting some course content, is a HUD Certified Housing Counselor since 2018. As such she will provide the one on one counseling session required by HUD for attendees to receive their Certificates of Course Completion.
Completion of this class and the one-on-one counseling session is one of the key elements to qualifying for various loan products and down payment assistance programs. USDA, VA, MBOH, FHA, NWMT and other loans and down payment assistance require this class for all first-time home buyers. The sooner you take the home buying course, the more of a benefit it will be to you. Registration packets are available to pick up in person at the CAPNM Libby Office at 933 Farm to Market Road, Suite B, or by contacting sbriggs@capnwmt.org or visiting the website at www.capnm.net and hovering over “Workshops” and then clicking on “Homebuyer Education.” All intake packages must be completed and returned by July 21, via email to sbriggs@capnwmt.org (PDF attachments please) or via fax to 406-565-4834, or dropped off at CAPNM at 933 Farm to Market Road, Suite B, in Libby.
All registration material must be received no later than July 21, 2023, before closing at 5 p.m. LOR Foundation is sponsoring the $75 per household fee for all interested participants.
About the LOR Foundation: LOR works with rural communities in the Mountain West to enhance livability and prosperity while preserving the character that makes each community unique.