Joe Miller with some of his trophies.
In celebration of 36 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.
35 years ago: September 17 , 1987 issue
1987 gravel pit saga continues in opinion pages
Gravel pit: Pro
It never ceases to amaze me of the squeals of emotional indignation by comparative newcomers to this area when they are outraged by something so commonplace as the controversial gravel pit south of Seeley Lake that will supply the material needed for the Highways 83 improvement project. No such emotional outrage has been voiced against the pit at the Double Arrow Ranch entrance, the Rovero pit north of Seeley Lake, the Clearwater junction pit or numerous others in the Seeley Swan area. Perhaps they prefer the total landscape of the beautiful knapweed infestation of the area in question. The pit area is a short-term blight that is occurring after the major tourist season is over and, when rehabilitated, will no doubt enhance the view....
Gravel pit: Pro
So you feel the gravel pit is ugly? Could that possibly mean that you think that the knapweed is pretty? The machines, dust, and noise will only be here a few short weeks but the obnoxious knapweed will be here indefinitely. Give them a break!
I can almost bet that you all have something to say every time your car or truck hits one of the huge potholes in our lovely roads. That gravel pit is what is going to be responsible for resurfacing of at least part of it.
As for the pit keeping tourists away.... HOORAY! Frankly, I hate to even see summer come with all the crazies it brings with it! Everyone is so eager to bring tourists into our little town...
Gravel pit: Con
I must take issue with the letter from Pam & Loren Rose (Pathfinder Sept. 10), and with others who see nothing wrong with the gravel mining on John Cahoon's property.
1. The mere fact that protective covenants on the property were "changed" (a mild word to describe what actually was done) to allow gravel mining is enough to raise substantial ire. The covenants on that land were put there to prevent the very thing that's going on!
I live in Seeley Lake Estates where, if protective covenants ever existed, they were not enforced. So, my neighbor can do things to his property which will lower the property values of everyone around and there's nothing I can do about it ...
Gravel pit: Con
After consideration of the facts, as best I have determined them, regarding the gravel mining operation south of Seeley Lake on Highway 83, and after listening to and reading various opinions in favor of this unnecessary defilement of the land, one point has become clear. Those who see no problem with the location of the gravel pit choose to ignore the facts:
There are restrictive and protective covenants running with that land and binding upon all present and future owners of any part of that land. The dictionary defines a covenant as a contract. The owner agreed to abide by this contract (the covenants)...
To read the rest of these Letters to the Editor and more from this issue, visit https://www.seeleylake.com/home/customer_files/article_documents/1987-09-17.pdf
20 years ago: September 19 , 2002 issue
Miller is 'Snow Rodeo' all around champion
Joe Miller, a Seeley Lake resident and employee of the Missoula County Road Department for the past three years, recently competed in the 2002 Snow Rodeo in Great Falls. The Snow Rodeo is a competition for employees of city, county and state agencies, and 50 people from around the state participated.
In the Newcomers category, Joe received first place awards in four areas - backhoe, front end loader, motor grader and dump truck with snow plow. Out of all those competing, Joe placed first in front end loader, third in motor grader and third in backhoe. He also earned enough points to win the all around champion title.
Aside from working with the equipment, Joe also received a 100% on a safety checklist of equipment and a 100% on a written test of road maintenance.
To read more articles from this issue, visit https://www.seeleylake.com/home/customer_files/article_documents/2002-09-19.pdf
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