4 minute read
Lineman to Mayor
In the heart of Montana, where small-town values run deep and community spirit thrives, Mike Evans spent 33 years as an employee of the Montana Power Co. and later NorthWestern Energy. He left an indelible mark on the town of Townsend, first as the NorthWestern Energy town manager and lineman and then as a city council member and mayor.
Mike completed his two terms as mayor in January.
Mike’s journey began as an apprentice with Duty Construction in Havre, Montana. After honing his skills and passing the lineman test, he became a linemen foreman, leading crews through the challenges of the job. A brief stint in California couldn’t keep him away from his home state, and when the opportunity arose to return to a job at Montana Power Co., he packed up his family and headed back.
Upon his return, Mike began working in Helena as a lineman for about two years and then landed a job in Townsend as a town manager.
Mike faced the unpredictability of the new town manager job head-on. “The work is busy!” he recalls, his words resonating with the bustling energy of fixing broken lines and checking for gas leaks. One memorable incident involved a contractor accidentally rupturing a 4-inch propane gas pipe in town. People had to be evacuated from their homes because gas was shooting into the town. He recalls climbing under houses with the gas crew for about five hours, encountering spiders and bugs galore to inspect every nook and cranny to ensure the safety of the community.
Yet amid the chaos, there were moments of camaraderie and levity. Mike fondly recalls the pranks and jokes shared among linemen and gasmen, forging bonds that transcended the challenges of the job.
“We were like a platoon of Marines,” Mike said, reflecting on the unity and teamwork that defined his years in service.
Beyond his duties as a town manager, Mike became deeply involved in the community.
Mike dedicated 24 years of his life to the betterment of Townsend, first as a member of the city council for 16 years, and then as mayor for eight years, concluding his tenure on Jan. 1, 2024. Throughout his time at City Hall, Mike rolled up his sleeves and worked tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of his fellow townsfolk.
Mike also coached football and basketball for junior high kids, and later served as the assistant coach for the high school girls’ basketball team. His proudest moment came when his daughter’s team won back-to-back state titles — an achievement that brought immense pride to the town of Townsend. His coaching career, spanning nearly three decades, left a lasting impact on the town’s young athletes.
In addition to his coaching duties, Mike was dedicated to the safety and well-being of the community in his role as town manager, overseeing day-to-day NorthWestern Energy operations in Townsend. It was a tough job, but one that he approached with dedication and a sense of responsibility.
As Mike reminisces about his years of service, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork and community.
“We always wanted to please our customers,” he said. “And to this day, they’re still friends of mine.”
“I hear folks complaining about their jobs all the time. But I feel grateful to have worked with such a great bunch of people — smart, kind and genuinely happy. I really miss those days sometimes!”
And though he may no longer be climbing under houses or fixing broken lines, his impact on Townsend will be felt for years to come.
Mike Evans, who served 33 years at NorthWestern Energy, clears baling twine from an osprey nest near Townsend, Montana. After retiring from NorthWestern, Mike became mayor of Townsend.
