When I got serious about drinking wine, that is, when I stopped consuming 4 ltr jugs of Mountain Castle Rhine and Carlo Rossi Paisano, I developed this attitude that all wine would be red if it could be. I clung to that thought for probably 10 or 12 years. It’s kind of a snobbish attitude toward white wines and it sometimes seems a natural progression for many wine drinkers.

Then, one day, I looked at my French wine section and said, “Where the hell are my French reds?” Turns out, I became so enthusiastic with whites and rosés that my French section nearly dwindled to nothing. I have to work hard to ensure there are enough reds to satisfy our customer base. With that in mind, it’s time to look toward the warmer weather that’s right around the corner (known as ‘break-up’ in Alaska).

Dr. Everett Lynn, the Wind Behind the Woodwind

Text by Polly Kolstad | Photography by Nicole Keintz

Whatever you’re looking for, when a clear eyed gentleman answers the door in a blue “Last Chance Dixieland Jazz Band” shirt, you know you are in for some music.

Lessons Learned from an 11-Year-Old National Champ

Text by Shane Klippenes and Photography by Jim Wells

At first glance, Gatlin Sutherland looks like an ordinary 5th grader; and in many ways he is. He plays competitive basketball and football, likes some aspects of school, and eats “normal food”. Oh, and he is one of the top ranked racquetball players in the nation.

Text by Shane Klippenes and Photography by Jim Wells

Unlike some athletic endeavors, racquetball is an inexpensive sport to tryout, with many court facilities offering equipment rentals to newbies for a fair price. (Access Fitness provides a ball, racquet and eye protection for $5 per visit).

After you’ve rented a few times, or if you’re just ready to buy your own equipment right away, here’s a short list of essential gear you’ll need and price ranges to go with them.

Three Generations and the Three Rs

Text by Kay Bjork and Photography by Jim Wells

If there were a rodeo queen gene, Lindsay Garpestad certainly would have it.

Lindsay was crowned 2016 Miss Rodeo Montana and became the third generation rodeo queen in her family. Her grandmother Kay Harrison was Miss Dillon Jaycee Rodeo queen in 1952; her mother Vonda Harrison captured the same title in 1983 and her second cousin Shonda Nelson was Miss Rodeo Montana in 1990.

Gaining Popularity with North Central Agriculture

Written by Suzanne Waring

The United Nations declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses, and North Central Montana has chosen to be right in the middle of the festivities. Pulse growers, elevator managers/owners, and consumers from this region began celebrating on January 6 at Columbia Grain, Inc., by participating in a Pulse Feast where all of the dishes contained pulses—even dessert. As Montanans celebrated, others throughout the world were also taking part in Pulse Feasts. We pause to wonder exactly the reason for the excitement occurring throughout the world and here in Montana.