Text by Gene Betz • Photography by Jim Wells

Geography, Climate, Soil or Yeast… or a Combination of all Four?

So, I says to my wife, I says, “Ralph? What do you think I should write about for the next Signature MT column?” And she says, “I don’t know…it’s YOUR column.” So there ya have it…no help at all. But I kind of get it. Wine speak can get pretty snooty and boring to most people. There’s only so much a person wants to know beyond, “is it good or not?” In spite of that, I’ve decided to talk about a rather deep wine subject; one that can make your eye balls roll into the back of their sockets. So, take this with a grain of terroir and don’t miss that last paragraph.

River Bottom Restoration Furniture with Andrew Bishop

Text by Kay Bjork and Photography by Jim Wells

The Russian Olive tree means different things to different people. To the 1900s pioneers it was precious shelter from wind and sun in the eastern plains where nothing else would grow; to a biologist, an invasive species that chokes out native trees and to hunters and fisherman, a bush-like beast with a knarled trunk and nasty two-inch thorns. To Andrew Bishop it is a treasure chest waiting to be opened.

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!