Bigfork Vikings win in style

It was no easy task, but the Bigfork Vikings got their storybook ending last Saturday, coming through with a dramatic fourth-down touchdown in the last 10 seconds of the game on a cold, blustery day to lay claim to the town's first-ever state football title.

Congratulations on a well-deserved victory.

Fans are to be commended, too, for their undying support of the team, even when the Vikes weren't winning any games a couple of years ago. As activities director Matt Porrovecchio so aptly said before the big game: "The school and town are one and the same, and this is something positive to hold onto."

Bigfork is a shining example of how community spirit can bring out the best in both the townspeople and these young athletes.

ON ANOTHER stage, the Montana State Bobcats did themselves and their fans proud last week when they tamed the Montana Grizzlies and earned their first conference championship since 2003.

The Bobcats earned a first-round bye in the Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs and will host the winner of the North Dakota State/Robert Morris game the following week.

Whatever happens, this team has had a great season and deserves bragging rights for the coming year. The Bobcats finished the regular season with a 9-2 mark, and 8-1 in the Big Sky, after Saturday's 21-16 victory over the Grizzlies.

Go Bobcats!

KUDOS TO two local banks that were in the headlines recently for their support of small businesses through Small Business Administration lending efforts.

Flathead Bank made more SBA-guaranteed loans in the last fiscal year than any other Montana bank. And Three Rivers Bank was named the emerging lender of the year for the Small Business Administration.

With the local economy still challenged by the lingering effects of the nationwide recession, it's good to know these financial institutions are going to bat to provide capital for the small businesses that are the backbone of this valley we call home.