Bigfork on the trail of success

Momentum is building in Bigfork for a trail system that has been a dream of many outdoor enthusiasts for decades.

A recent meeting led by the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork drew quite a crowd, so it’s evident there is community support for such a project. Initial plans call for extending the 2-mile Swan River Trail for another 6.2 miles. The network would connect to Sliter Park and add a footbridge near the dam that would make a 2-mile loop beginning and ending in downtown Bigfork.

There are many hurdles in front of the project: funding, getting approval from PacifiCorp for use of its 270 acres of property, identifying additional parking for trailheads and figuring out a plan for ongoing trail maintenance. But as we look at the successful Whitefish Trail that now offers 36 miles of trail accessed by 10 trailheads, we know that such collaborative projects can be accomplished.

The Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork has a long history of successful improvement projects, so we have no doubt the vision and moxie it will take to build a trail network is in good supply. The hard work now will pay dividends far into the future.

Thanks for life of service

It’s not hyperbole when colleagues describe longtime Flathead High School English teacher Sue Brown as a “legend” in her field. Not after teaching and inspiring literally thousands of students over her 40 years with the school.

Brown is planning to retire at the end of this school year — news that has former students reflecting on her influence as a respected educator.

“We are a blessed community to have had the opportunity to have her teaching our students for 40 years,” commented one former student on the Inter Lake’s story about her retirement.

“10th grade honors English continues to shape the way I view the world. What an amazing teacher,” added another student.

Another former student commented succinctly, “Best English teacher ever!”

Throughout her career, Brown strived to cultivate independent thinkers and challenged students to “dig deep” — a philosophy of the International Baccalaureate program she helped bring to the valley early in her career. Brown also led the school’s speech and debate team for seven years.

“It would be impossible to overstate the impacts that she has had on our school over the last 40 years,” praised International Baccalaureate coordinator Kelli Higgins. “She is a legend.”

Congratulations, Sue, on your well-deserved retirement. Thank you for your decades of dedication to the generations of students lucky enough to sit in your classroom.

A retirement party for Brown is planned June 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the high school.