There are hundreds of amazing things to do in various towns across America. The majestic and quaint community of Anaconda, Montana, surrounded by the Pintler Mountains, is no different. Now, for certain, you won't find a suburban atmosphere when it comes to shopping or the electricity of a city nightclub, but instead, a place that offers a sense of belonging sprinkled with a hip and upcoming vibe and a tinge of traditional and historical staples to balance out an authentic experience. In the late 1800s, Copper King Marcus Daly founded the town of Anaconda while financing the construction of a smelter for silver deposits and, eventually, for copper mining. Although the smelter officially shut down in 1980, native Anacondans and visitors alike still recognize the area as a historic place that thrived during its days as a smelting town and a place that relentlessly works to stay alive.

In true form, February's winter weather came like a lion, and this morning's early morning storm followed suit. Unfortunately, the aftermath of the storm and drop in temperatures today caused many accidents across the state, including the 40-mile stretch on I-90 from Deer Lodge to Butte. How do I know for sure this was the case? I experienced it firsthand during my commute from Anaconda to Butte this morning. First off, I learned of the harsh road conditions from Anaconda to Deer Lodge from a friend who travels to Deer Lodge for work. As for my encounter on I-90 this morning, the first accident I encountered involved a semi mangled in the median on the west side of Fairmont Hill, an area I have commonly referred to as the Bermuda Triangle of roadways. NOT because vehicles "disappear" in that area, but because of the bizarre accidents that EERILY and repeatedly occur there in the SAME LOCATIONS.

If you disagree with changes threatening public land access in Montana, here's your chance to be heard. Coming up this Thursday, February 23rd beginning at noon, concerned residents will join at the State Capital in Helena to voice their dissatisfaction with decisions made by some state lawmakers. The topics of concern on their agenda include the stifling of funding for conservation programs, the constitutional right to clean water and air, and healthy public lands.

The Copperhead (Boys) and Lady Copperhead basketball teams head to the Western Divisional Class B Tourney after placing second at last weekend's District 6B competition. Interestingly enough, they won't have to travel far to play as the tournament will be held in Anaconda beginning this Thursday, February 23rd! Last Thursday, the Lady Heads beat the Deer Lodge Wardens at home 66 to 24 to guarantee them a shot at Western Divisionals. The same scenario applied to the Copperheads (Boys) as they went into overtime this past Saturday in Florence to beat the Falcons 66 to 62. Although Loyola won both the boys' and girls' championship matchups against Anaconda in the Snake Pit this past Saturday afternoon (February 18th), the Copperheads are eager for another attempt at victory leading into divisionals.

Headquartered in Butte, Water & Environmental Technologies (WET) is conducting its Annual Blood Drive and Food Drive on March 3rd! The event will be hosted by The Butte Brewing Company to help add awareness to the importance of Vitalant's Blood Donation Services and the Butte Pantry's food donation program. When you reserve your donation time for the Blood Drive and Food Drive you'll receive free swag, door prizes (10 tickets), and refreshments, so contact Water & Environmental Technologies now to set up a time at (406) 782-5220.

Where to start when it comes to this guy? I mean, every time he hits the stage, he has us believing hook, line, and sinker that his "side-kick" co-hosts actually have a mind of their own and, furthermore, that they're REAL! Of course, I'm talking about the multi-talented Jeff Dunham, who is set to make two appearances in Montana this April during his "Still Not Cancelled" Tour"! On the one hand (pun intended), he's a ventriloquist who brilliantly knows how to throw his voice with some of the most hilarious one-liners and comedy bits to ever come out of his clenched jaw. No doubt he knows how to grab the audience's attention because Jeff Dunham is pretty d*mn funny and so much more.

The Lady Copperheads came to play tonight tenfold! This evening's 66 to 24 win over the Deer Lodge Lady Wardens in the District 6B Basketball Tournament in Anaconda, earned them a presumed shot at Saturday's championship match-up against the Loyola Breakers...

Class B District Basketball action is underway this evening as the number one ranked Anaconda Lady Copperheads take on the fourth ranked Deer Lodge Lady Wardens at 6 p.m. in the Snake Pit. Missoula will also host district play tonight as the number three ranked Florence Lady Falcons take on the number two ranked Loyola Breakers at 6 p.m. The Lady Copperheads are heading into the tournament with a win last Saturday against Loyola 62-52 in Zoo Town. Although, they fell short last Friday night 33-24 on their home court against Florence, the Anaconda girls are looking to set the tone and dominate tonight.

So, like anything, when you try to do too much of one thing, your body and your brain retaliate. The point being, by Thanksgiving I basically gave "low-carb" the finger and started to consume every ounce of bread, pasta, and potato I could get my hands on. This is where" pizza with crust" became my friend again. So from venting about carb neglect comes this realization full circle; MY fascination with pizza!! AND so after two paragraphs of rambling about my carb intake, time to cut to the chase on my top picks for pizza at four fabulous locations in the suburb of Anaconda, Montana.

So far this year, MCT has performed in several regions across Montana, including Dillon this past January and Helena and Anaconda earlier this month. Performances and auditions will also occur in Clancy beginning February 13th, Lima on February 20th, Deer Lodge and Townsend the week of February 27th, Belgrade, Ennis, and Montana City starting March 3rd, and Boulder the week of March 27th. I was happy to learn of the awesome experience some friends of mine had during MCT's visit to Anaconda. Needless to say, I was in awe of the darling pictures the Dee and Vauthier family showed me (above) of their beautiful daughter/granddaughter, Kirra. She played the role of a dutiful apple seed in MCT's production of Johnny Appleseed on February 4th. Way to go, Kirra, and hats off to all fellow performers! One day, we may see you on the silver screen! See more great photos of the awesome kids who performed in Anaconda below, courtesy of Kirra's mom, Kylie! Thank you to Grandma Rhonda, as well! Other MCT shows presented in Montana last month and expected to continue through the Spring include King Author's Quest, Red Riding Hood, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Emperor's New Clothes!