Category Archives: Inspirational

Senior reporter grateful to be considered family

Posted on June 13, 2020 by CharliesTrail

“You’re family, Charlie.” That was Lynn Toller’s reaction when I told her I was leaving the News-Argus to take a position with the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce. She gave me her sad puppy face. Those of you who know her … Continue reading →

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Seeking Solace in Song

Posted on May 8, 2020 by CharliesTrail

“Give me the beat, boys, and free my soul I want to get lost in your rock n’ roll and drift away” I’ve always known this comforting chorus, but I never really connected to Dobie Gray’s 1973 smash hit until … Continue reading →

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Life Lessons from “The Old Philosopher”

Posted on November 16, 2018 by CharliesTrail

A lot of people have hope. Don’t spoil it. When you think you shouldn’t say it, don’t. When you have nothing to do, do it now. My grandfather, Marshall Kidd, is the wisest man I know. And I’m not alone … Continue reading →

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Local soldier remembered on 100th anniversary of Argonne Offensive

Posted on November 11, 2018 by CharliesTrail

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day I wanted to share a piece I wrote about a central Montanan whose served in the Great War. Here it is, as published in the Lewistown News-Argus: Sergeant Albert “Bert” Replogle of … Continue reading →

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Be a gentleman: we need them more than ever

Posted on April 14, 2018 by CharliesTrail

“Excuse me. Were you waiting in line?” the British man asked outside the bathroom at the Revolver Bar in Seattle. “Yes, I was, but it’s alright,” I said. “No, it was rude of me to cut you off. Please know … Continue reading →

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Keeping the New Year tradition alive, sort of

Posted on December 31, 2017 by CharliesTrail

Read more. Exercise more. Get a girlfriend. Every year, Trevor and I would put our New Year’s resolutions under the shed behind his house on Madden Place. We were crazy then. Before we put the resolutions under the shed, we’d … Continue reading →

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It Truly Is A Wonderful Life: Lessons learned from a Christmas classic

Posted on December 30, 2017 by CharliesTrail

On Christmas Eve this year, instead of going to church, I went to a different kind of service. My fiancée, her older sister, their mother and I went to the Art House Cinema and Pub in Billings to see Frank … Continue reading →

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“100 Happy Days” a worthwhile challenge

Posted on August 17, 2017 by CharliesTrail

A few months ago, I noticed a friend of mine in Louisville, Kentucky taking a different approach to Facebook. Instead of complaining about politics or venting about something else that bothered her, like so many of her friends were doing, … Continue reading →

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The Challenge

Posted on June 22, 2017 by CharliesTrail

Sometimes there are more than bargains in the Walmart clearance carts. For Trevor Golden, there was a challenge, right there in front of him; one he wanted to share. As he looked in the $5 DVD clearance cart, he saw … Continue reading →

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Joy riding: reflections on an innocent, insane adolescence

Posted on March 4, 2017 by CharliesTrail

Instead of complain, I encourage kids to think of fun things to do, even if it’s stupid, silly stuff. Get together with your friends and be silly. Go out and explore and experience. There is always something to do. Continue reading →

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