SUMMER 2022
Cover: Angie Finberg
Read the most recent stories online. Though we recommend finding a real-deal, print copy. It’s pretty.
Story Highlights
Editor’s Note: Stories Have Power
Editor's NoteStories Have PowerKatie Cantrell is our one- woman powerhouse of an editor. Without her, this magazine couldn’t happen.KATIE CANTRELL W“hen I was a kid and I’d start complaining — probably about how my life was so unfair compared to my friends’ lives, or...
Bright Side? What Genius Thought This Was Good News?
SATIREBright Side? What Genius Thought This Was Good News? Even on the bluest bluebird day, there’s always a troll looking for a stormcloud. Some people just aren’t happy unless they’re unhappy. Illustrated by Ben OblasBen OblasTAGS:Illustrations: Ben OblasRead...
Restoring Flathead lake
Restoring Flathead LakeThe Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ efforts to allow native fish populations to rebound in Flathead Lake. HeadwatersPhotos by Aaron Augosto | Introduction by Katie CantrellIntroduction by Katie Cantrell Flathead Lake is ideal habitat...
Love Letter
Love LetterFinding the Bright Side isn't always easy...but we think it’s worth it. We get it, the last couple of years have been a whirlwind of the unexpected, and it can feel really good to pick out a scapegoat. But we all get to choose how we react to change. We can...
Class Acts
Class Acts:The Teacher Feature.Let’s take a moment and reflect on how lucky we are to have all our schools filled with outstanding, dedicated educators. FEATUREBY KATIE CANTRELLAs Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Until...
Helping Hands
helping handsLand to Hand’s Gretchen Boyer works tirelessly to make healthy food available to everyone.FEATUREBY COLLEEN O'BRIENAfew days before spring break, veils of virga rim the valley. Intermittently, clouds open and ice pellets pour from the sky. Tight buds poke...
Everything is not fine (and that’s okay)
HeadwatersEverything is not fine (and that’s OK) Photo by Mandy MohlerBY STEPHANIE MALTARICH I n the year 2000 Sara Boilen opened up a map of the U.S., closed her eyes, and waved her finger in the air before plopping it down. She opened her eyes to find that she had...
Soul Sprinkles
Field NotesSoul sprinkles Sometimes the writing on the wall finds its way into your heart.Illustration by Morgan Krieg By Jessie Mazur O n the inside of the slimy walls of the horse-trough soaking tubs at Wild Horse Hot Springs, someone scratched “soul...
Let the Sun Shine
Field NotesLet the Sun Shine Two lifelong friends are harnessing solar power and can-do attitudes to make a life in their hometown. Illustration by Morgan Krieg By Thomas Clark W hen Curran Edland and I graduated from Whitefish High School in 2013 and went away...
The Little Things
Field NotesThe Little things Joy can be contagious if we just give it the chance. Illustration by Morgan Krieg By Ashley Peters I shopped at Costco a few days before Easter. And I know that’s not earth-shattering news. (Nor was it the best timing.) And, besides...
Drawing On Hope
SPARKDrawing on Hope Local author and artist Jonathan Fetter-Vorm shares the joys of his job.Where it all begins – Jonathan’s notebooks show how the author plans his next project.ANDREW KROP "E isner Award-nominated author and artist Jonathan Fetter-Vorm makes comics...
The Promise of Summer Fun
HeadwatersThe Promise of summer fun For over 30 years, Camp Promise has been providing a full summer camp experience for people with disabilities. Summer campers at Camp Promise STORY BY JESSICA SWANSON C hristian hops out of the car with a broad smile and thick...
Connected to Community
Business Bonanza!connected to community A local business knows its community inside and out. Meet several who recognize the value of these relationships. Gabe MarimanMACKENZIE REISS WARMING UP WINTER WITH BIAS BREWING What has the power to lure hundreds of...
Giving Is Power
SPARKGiving is Power Charitable efforts remain a driving principal at Flathead Electric.MACKENZIE REISS "When a collective of local farmers and ranchers founded Flathead Electric Cooperative 85 years ago, they wanted to do more than just keep the lights on for their...
Getting There with a Smile
CruxGetting there with a smile Despite the twists in Jennifer Lichter’s road to professional running, she stays focused on the joy. Jennifer Lichter on the trail. Photo by Riley Connell. By Colton Born As a child, Jennifer Lichter had one dream: to play in...
Non-Profit Highlight: The Samaritan House
Non-Profit FeatureGo Local donates 3% of each issue’s advertising revenue to a local nonprofit organization. This issue supports the Samaritan House. The Samaritan House Q&A with Morgan Winchester, associate director of the Samaritan HouseWhat is the mission...