A Russian Immigrant Returns His Daughter to Russia

Written by Heather Bode and Photography by Jacqui Smith

Andrei Shkurigin has happy memories of growing up in the Soviet Union. “The idea of equality was huge. Children were the focus of the entire society because they truly were the future of the country,” he says. Field trips were to places such as the theater, ballet, and operas. As Andrei points out, “The advertisements that I passed by were cool. I never thought, ‘I want my kids to grow up and do this.’”

But that is exactly what has happened. Andrei’s oldest daughter, Sasha, now finds herself at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world: Moscow State Academy of Choreography…better known as Bolshoi Ballet.

Just how does a boy behind the Iron Curtain come to America, achieve his dreams in a place like Helena, and then why would he send his daughter back to his homeland?

Another Wilkinson Construction Home Hits the Mark

Text by Kay Bjork | Photography by Marcus Serrano

Another Tim Wilkinson home perched above the great Missouri and surrounded by the Little Belts and Highwood Mountains has proved itself worthy of its grand location on Spring Tree Ridge.

Last year a Tim Wilkinson Construction home on Spring Tree Ridge swept the Parade of Homes awards in its category and this year’s entry captured awards for Best Kitchen, Best Master Bath and Curb Appeal.

A design/build company started by his father John in 1956, Tim joined the family business in 1993 and took over

Pilots Recollection of the Cold War

Text by Dwayne Nelson and Photography by Jesse Martinez

When the atomic bombs ended the war with Japan, WWII was officially over. The subsequent agreements sorting the spoils resulted in two major world

Finding Balance Between Skill and Mental Toughness In Gymnastics

Text by Shane Klippenes and Photography by Darrin Schreder

Is gymnastics, a sport originated by the ancient Greeks and an original Olympic event, requiring long hours of practice and risk of injury, still relevant today? Recent time spent with gymnasts in North Central Montana indicate that it’s not just relevant, but teaches life lessons, hard work, a myriad of athletic skills and is fun!

Shaping Life into Adulthood

Text and Photography by Suzanne Waring

During the first weeks of August, most public school teachers are catching the last rays of sunshine before heading back to the classroom for another school year. Instead Bill Lombardi is recovering from jet leg after returning from two weeks of work with farmers in the African nation of Malawi through the Farmer-to-Farmer Program sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development. He is also taking part in the county fair of which he is an organizer; he is attending to the daily tasks of being a father to 14 children; and he is seeing to the chores at the school farm while getting ready for a new school year as FFA (Future Farmers of America) instructor at Powell County High School, which is presently in the midst of a major reconstruction project.

Ever wish you had elves of your own?… well here we are
– SigMT has ideas for everyone on your list!

Photography by Jesse Martinez

|| THE MiXOLOGiST ||

Here’s to your favorite bartender and their spirited ways

Custom Gift Baskets

These are perfect for the holidays. We can do several themes like the one pictured, which includes most of our popular items in