Jim White, new director for District 1  

When Jim and Connie White purchased the Northome Grocery six years ago, they entered into a different world. Jim had made a career in logging and Connie worked at the bank in Northome. Retail – especially with the fine margins in groceries – was an eye opener.

In logging, you don’t think nickels and dimes, said Jim. Suddenly a two cent wholesale discount on candy bars was what his vendors called a “good deal.”

When the store came up for sale, they found they both had been considering it. It was important to keep the store in town, they felt, and things just fell into place. Since then, they have been improving the store, trying to meet customer needs with a deli area, days for Chester Fried Chicken, more organic food and an upgraded meat selection.

Continued...

My View from the Board Table  

I have a neighbor who lives a couple of miles north of me that delights in giving me a hard time. My revenge is to totally ignore him even if his questions are legitimate. I want to assure you that this is all done in the best of spirits and is enjoyed by both of us. One of his questions used to be “Why don’t you guys put all the lines underground and then our troubles with outages would be over.” My answer was usually something along the line of “because then you wouldn’t have anything to complain about.”

Continued...

Bigfork Valley Winter Challenge Sat., Feb. 18  

On Saturday, Feb. 18, Bigfork Valley will host its fourth Winter Challenge at Scenic State Park from noon to 4 p.m.

It’s a day to compete, try out or just enjoy winter sports activities in the beautiful winter setting of Scenic State Park. This year's activities include cross country and skate ski races, ice fishing and hockey clinics, ice skating and demonstrations as well as a smoosh racing event.

Park admission and cross country ski passes are underwritten by Bigfork Valley for the event for those who do not have state park passes. All participants will receive a beanie while supplies last.

Continued...

Roxanne’s Sales Talk  

Do you know the advantages of a Marathon water heater? We have the 105 gallon model in stock. This water heater is a very smart investment and qualifies for all the storage water heating programs, which will save you lots of money.

• Advanced technologic design is clearly different from the short-lived steel water heaters.
  
  
• It’s by far the most durable water heater ever made and has a great warranty to match (Lifetime warranty).
  
  
• The tank comes complete with factory installed vacuum relief valve, ¾” inch brass tee and ¾” brass nipple for easy professional installation.
  
  

Continued...

Native Tree and Plant Sale 

The annual sale for native plants is here. For the last ten years Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District has offered native plants, shrubs and grasses to county landowners to make conservation improvements on their property.

Continued...

February 2012 Calendar of Events 

Continued...