Area Briefs

Kootenai Stargazers Astronomy Club meeting

The Kootenai Stargazers Astronomy Club will be hosting a presentation by Jane Cline on the “2nd Law of Thermodynamics” on Friday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. This will be the last opportunity to get the club’s 2015 calendar.

The meeting will be held at the McGlasson home at 324 White Ave. in Libby. Dinner will be served, so come hungry.

Speech and drama students to hold fundraiser

Libby High School speech and drama students are hosting a fundraiser to benefit retired coach Shelley Fisher. Fisher was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year.

The benefit will be held at the Maki Theatre (formerly the Little Theatre) on Friday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. and will feature students presenting their drama pieces. Alumni are invited to participate as well. Admission will be by donation. 

For more information contact Cindy Curtiss at 406-291-0536.

Troy Tree Lighting event scheduled

The Troy Community Christmas Tree Lighting event will take place on Nov. 29 on the corner of Kootenai Ave. and 2nd Street. The event will begin at 5 p.m. with games for the children, followed by a program at 6 p.m. in the Lincoln Theatre.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to arrive at 7 p.m., and the tree will be lit immediately thereafter. Coffee, hot cocoa and cookies will be served. The event is free of charge.

For more information or to donate cookies, please call Troy City Hall at 406-295-4151.

Mountain lion hunting closed until Dec. 1

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials have closed hunting of mountain lions in hunting district 103, which includes parts of Lincoln and Flathead counties, as of 30 minutes after sunset on Nov. 16. Mountain lion hunting in district 123, which includes parts of Sanders County, closed 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, Nov. 17.

The closure resulted from officials receiving notice that the pre-established sub-quota for the district had been met. Both districts will reopen for the winter season on Dec. 1, 2014.

Energy Share offers heating assistance

Energy Share of Montana, a private non-profit organization, is accepting applications for heating assistance for Montanans facing loss of heat or lights in their home due to circumstances beyond their control. Energy Share helps an average of about 2,500 families per year.

For information regarding the assistance program or to donate please call 1-888-779-7589. 

Comment sought on

State Parks Plan

Montana State Parks is encouraging the public to submit comments on the Montana State Parks Draft Strategic Plan. Public comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Nov. 20.

The draft strategic plan is a roadmap for Montana’s state parks and recreation programs for the next five years. The public is invited to review the draft plan and provide comments to

Montana State Parks by Wednesday. Comments must be received in writing.