Local briefs: Mission students surpass reading goal

Mission students surpass reading goal

Students at Mission Elementary School were challenged to read 2,000 books during the month of February, and they “demolished” the goal, according to a post on the school district’s Facebook page. In doing so, they forced principal Tyler Arlint onto the roof of the school for a night. Arlint had pledged to camp out for a night on the roof if students met their goal.

Ronan, Polson airports land federal grants

Airports in Ronan and Polson are among 18 in the state that will get a boost in funding as part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) under the Department of Transportation.

Montana’s air travel infrastructure will receive $15 million in all, with Ronan and Polson receiving $13,000 each. Those receiving the most funding are: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport ($4,018,136), Missoula International Airport ($3,293,668) and Glacier Park International Airport ($2,754,654).

Reservation board taking comments on bird hunting

The Flathead Indian Reservation Advisory Board is seeking comments on the Draft 2021-2022 hunting seasons, shooting hours and limits for migratory waterfowl, pheasants and gray partridge for non-member hunters. A copy of the draft regulations can be obtained by contacting Dale Becker, Tribal Wildlife Program Manager at (406) 675-2700, extension 7278 or by email at dale.becker@cskt.org.

Comments will be accepted through March 31 and may be sent to Mr. Dale Becker, Program Manager, CSKT Wildlife Management Program, P. O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855 or to dale.becker@cskt.org.

A public meeting to accept comments will be held at 4 p.m. March 29 in the Tribal Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation Conference Room at 406 Sixth Ave. E., Polson.

Lone Pine outdoor programs for schools available

Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell is offering a spring field trip program for school groups. The topics will include Birds (intended for K-4th grade aged students), Forests (K-6), Insects (K-4), Water (K-4) and Wildlife (K-6).

Field trips can be scheduled Tuesday-Friday from April 13 to June 11 (excluding May 4, May 5, and May 25 through June 2).

Due to Covid-19 precautions, mask and social distancing protocols are in place at Lone Pine, and field trips must be limited to groups of 50 members or less.

For more information and/or to receive the field trip registration form, contact Kearstyn Cook at kearstyn.cook@mt.gov or 406-755-2706 ext. 4.

Flathead Lake State Parks hosting guided ranger hike

Flathead Lake State Park invites the public to join a ranger at the Wayfarers unit for our Fauna of the Flathead guided hike on Saturday, March 20. Attendees will learn about the animals that are native to northwestern Montana and the diverse habitats they live in. This hike is about 1 mile in length and will be 1.5 hours in duration. Attendees should bring water and wear sturdy shoes appropriate for spring conditions.

Registration is required for this hike. Please call 406-837-3041 to register. Time of the hike will be given upon registration.

The Flathead Lake Ranger Station and Harry Horn Day Use Area is located at the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork.