Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 11 KEEPING THE RAILS CLEAR PAGE 54 JUSTIN FRANZ is a writer, photographer, and magazine editor. He is originally from Maine, graduated from the University of Mon- tana's School of Journalism in 2011, and spent nine years as a newspaper reporter. Today, he is the associate editor of Railfan & Railroad and Railroad Model Craftsman magazines. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Washington Post, New York Times, Seattle Times, Atlas Obscura, Trains, Railroad Heritage, and the Montana Free Press. He is also the co-host and co-producer of Project 7, a true-crime podcast about the life and disappearance of Montana militia leader David Burgert. He lives in the Flathead Valley with his wife, Ashley, and their son, Franklin. GIL MANGELS'S DIORAMA OF AMERICA PAGE 62 NICK MITCHELL lives with his wife and two children in Kalispell and has always been interested in Montana and Western history. He loves a good book, a tasty brew, and his family, though not in that order. He's only recently started writing, so he'd like it if you'd be easy on him. THE WEIGHTS OUR NATION'S WARRIORS CARRY PAGE 70 HOLLY MATKIN is a native Montanan who lives with her husband at the foot of the Elkhorn Mountains. She covers a wide variety of topics as a freelance writer for multiple local and national publications, and especially enjoys writing travel, history, and human interest pieces. GET TO KNOW LAKE COUNTY PAGE 86 A native Montanan, BRYAN SPELLMAN has lived all over the state, and now lives in the foothills of the Cabinet Mountains. A graduate of UC Berkeley, he is now retired from a career centered in the School of Fine Arts at the University of Montana. In retire- ment, he spends his time on weaving, photography, travel, writing, and, yes, geocaching. MONTANA MUSINGS PAGE 94 BILL MUHLENFELD is the former owner of Distinctly Montana and a self-described serial entrepreneur. When he is not puzzling over the human condition he enjoys puzzling over crosswords. CONTIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sherman Cahill Tom Rath visitbutte.com (406) 723-3177 Best St. Patrick's Day Parade authentic, honest, accountable MISSOULA | MILES CITY | BOZEMAN | BIG SKY W W W . B U I L D W I T H J A C K S O N H O M E S . C O M

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