Community briefs

Ryggs Johnston parade Friday, Dec. 27

The city of Libby will have a short parade Friday, Dec. 27 to help celebrate with Ryggs Johnston on his outstanding accomplishment of winning on the DP World Golf Tour. 

Johnston won the Australian Open joining the prestigious list of American winners that include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Jordan Spieth.  

The parade will begin at the Cabinet View Golf Course parking lot on fire trucks and buses at 4 p.m., then heading down to Mineral Avenue arriving about 4:15 p.m., then make the loop and back to the clubhouse for a celebration with Johnston.

Beginner's winter birding, animal tracking class

Libby Hostel Base Camp is sponsoring an outdoor educational program, “Beginner's Winter Birding & Animal Tracking,” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. 

Participants must register to attend and they can do so by calling 406-291-2154 or emailing b_baxter53@yahoo.com.

Meet at 9 a.m. at Riverfront Park in Libby, next to the covered pavilion to discuss our plan for the day and hand out free informational sheets to registered participants. These sheets and a very short talk on the basics of winter birding and animal tracking will familiarize the early stage attendees with techniques utilized to choose proper habitat, find and identify resident and migrating winter birds. 

The hand outs will also cover the basics of matching habitat to wildlife presence, noting gaits and patterns of particular certain families of animals, measuring tracks and identifying scat and sign.

We'll then head to the field to examine several different habitats, scope for birds and track wildlife. 

No pets, or children under 16 years of age are allowed. (16 and up need parent or adult guardian). Please arrive with full tanks of gas, water, food, bird guide books, proper footwear for the weather, warm natural colored or camouflage clothing, a good sense of humor and snowshoes are optional.