Area briefs

Montana State Parks changes fee structure 

Effective immediately, Montana State Parks will charge modestly higher rates for camping, electrical services, non-resident daily entry, non-resident annual passes, Lewis & Clark Caverns tours, cabin, yurt and tipi rentals and shower use. The new fee rule also establishes new fees for rustic campsites, wild cave tours and sewage dump stations as well as a sliding scale for use of meeting rooms, shelters, pavilions and other facilities.

While effective immediately, implementation will occur over time as old signs are replaced. Montana State Parks will honor old rates until signs are changed in respective areas.

User fees provide the second largest funding source for the state parks system and are critical to the maintenance of the system. 

 New sign erected at 

Lake Koocanusa Bridge

A new interpretative sign was erected at the Lake Koocanusa Bridge crossing off Highway 37. The new kiosk contains three panels and provides historical descriptions of the bridge as well as a map of the reservoir.

The sign was produced by several cooperating organizations, The Kootenai River Network, United States Forest Service, United States Fish and Wildlife, and the Army Corps of Engineers. The log framing was completed by Swamp Mountain Log Works in Eureka.

 Local serviceman 

finishes basic training

Airman 1st Class Ryan C. Hoppe has completed basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas. Basic training is an intensive eight-week program that includes training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles.

Hoppe is the son of Michelle Thompson of Libby and of Aaron and Joel Hoppe of Clinton. He is also the stepson of Anna Hoppe of Clinton and Bryce Thompson of Libby.