20/35 Year Look Back

In celebration of 35 years of the Seeley Swan Pathfinder, each week we will run parts of articles that appeared in the issue 35 years ago and 20 years ago. The entire issue will be uploaded to our website seeleylake.com for you to enjoy. We hope you will enjoy the journey with us as we follow our community through the past 35 years as documented by the Pathfinder.

35 years ago: February 12, 1987 issue

Sales tax measure introduced

Sales Tax

Sharp debate was generated on the first major sales tax issue to reach committee during the legislative session last week.

Supporters of House Bill 377, which calls for a four percent general sales tax, repeatedly stated that times have changed, that Montana now needs and the public will support a retail sales tax.

The bill's chief sponsor Jack Ramirez, R-Billings, said a sales tax is the only logical answer to the crushing state budget deficit that will also provide property tax relief.

Ramirez's sales tax, cosponsored by representatives from both parties, would generate about $165 million a year with three-fourths of that money used to cut property taxes about 20 percent. The rest of the money, about $40 million, would flow into the state's general fund.

A spectrum of interests argued for and against the tax. Missoula County Commissioner Ann Mary Dussault said a sales tax may be a political minefield, but that property tax relief is impossible without it.

"I acknowledge before you and I acknowledge before the public that there have been political careers wasted on this issue," she said. "But you cannot solve the state's budget problems and give property tax relief without a sales tax."

Carrol Krause, commissioner of higher education, said a sales tax is the most reasonable way to increase funding to the state's university system...

To read more of this article and the rest of the issue visit https://www.seeleylake.com/home/customer_files/article_documents/1987-02-12.pdf

20 years ago: February 14, 2002 issue

Art auction to highlight Wine & Chocolate Social

This year's Wine & Chocolate Social promises to be another one filled with wonderful art pieces and entertainment along with incredible chocolates and hors d'oeuvres provided by the members of AAI.

It will be held at the Seeley Lake Community Hall in Seeley Lake on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 6 - 9:30 p.m.

While you chat, get those raffle tickets and bid on the silent auction items, you'll enjoy piano music by Gay Brewer.

Just before the live auction starts, enjoy the Celtic Harp played by recording artist Matthew Lyon.

Alan Taylor will be honored as the "Arts Benefactor" for his active involvement with the AAI since 1992.

Over 40 art pieces created by the AAI members will be available at a silent auction and a live auction with pieces selected by the auctioneer. This year, the auctioneer will be Tom Lehman of Seeley Lake.

Special awards for Best of Show, First, second, third and honorable mentions will be given to winning artists.

This year, Suzanne Shope will be the juror. She is a professional artist and professor of art and education at Western Montana College.

She's a fifth generation Montanan and granddaughter of western artist Irvin "Shorty" Shope.

Suzanne has been involved in the arts as a teacher and artist most of her life. She has exhibited nationally and received s master's degree from SUNY Alfred in New York State. She lives in Dillon with her daughter Angela.

The proceeds from the auctions and admission fees will continue to support the annual scholarship for a graduating Seeley-Swan senior as well as other community art activities. Last year, Autumn Biggins and Lura Parker tied for the scholarship and split the $500 award.

Mark your calendar for an evening of fine art, entertainment, good company and superb chocolates.

To read the rest of the issue visit https://www.seeleylake.com/home/customer_files/article_documents/2002-02-14.pdf