Ellington

Chamber plans to lead group on tour to China

China is our second largest export market. 

Contribute to safety this holiday

Thanks to the Flathead Electric Cooperative for funding life safety projects in the Flathead Valley for several years.  These projects include handicapped assesses, defibrillators, car seats, fencing, radios, lighting, security cameras, bicycle paths and much more.

Right to fish not the same as water rights for tribes

The claim of the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes for off reservation water rights on rivers in the CSKT Compact is based on the 1855 Hell Gate Treaty, Article III:  

Bigfork artist Dee Dee Cooper enjoys donating her time and work to local causes

Parked outside the Bigfork Cultural center is a small wooden train, marked Bigfork Express. 

Lakeview care center offers great services

My husband and I have recently required the services of a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation following hospitalization.

Pantry thankful for support

To the Bigfork Community:

Compromise was key to wilderness bill

Montanans are ruggedly independent. We harvest our own meat, brew our own beer and spend days in the wild living by our own wits. But for all of our independence, we understand that if we’re going to achieve big things, we have to pull together and cooperate.

Theatre center starts getting upgrades

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre building on Grand Avenue has new windows.

North Fork thanks

This time of year, it’s important to give thanks and show gratitude for what is most important. On Friday, Dec. 19, we gathered with Sens. Jon Tester and John Walsh to celebrate passage of the North Fork Watershed Protection Act and the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act. That afternoon, the president signed the bills into law.

Cats selected for East-West Shrine Game

Wildcat competitors shine in 2014

Historic land-use bill is top outdoors story

Record visitation is No. 1 Glacier Park story

Xanterra's move is top C-Falls story

League sets legislative wish list

C-Falls proves popular for auto parts stores

Johnson upbeat on future of Columbia Falls

Charity versus taxation and hope for the New Year

What do you suppose would happen if each of us did more instead of expecting someone else to do all the good things that need to be done? What if we each did all we can do to help ourselves and help others? Charity would become contagious, popular, and ironically, maybe even less necessary.

Minus 15 weather hits the Flathead

Lows as extreme as minus 27 up the North Fork at Polebridge and 15 below zero at Glacier Park International Airport were reported Dec. 30 as an Arctic front brought bone-chilling cold weather to the Flathead.

Rail improvements help Amtrak deal with delays

Passenger train service for Amtrak’s Empire Builder is expected to return to its normal schedule with more convenient arrival and departure times in Whitefish.

Record turnout on Big Mountain's slopes

Whitefish Mountain Resort reports it set a new visitor record on Dec. 28 when 7,900 skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes on Big Mountain, breaking the previous single-day record of 7,650 set on Dec. 30 last ski season.

Lawsuit possible over Flathead Lake bridge project

The Community Association for North Shore Conservation, a newly formed conservation group in Bigfork, wants to see a bridge being built to Dockstader Island in Flathead Lake removed — even if it has to sue Flathead County over it.

CROP Walk

I want to thank this community for its support of this year’s CROP Hunger Walk. About 50 people took part in the 2014 Hunger Walk on Sunday, Oct. 5, and raised more than $5,800. More than $2,000 will be used to provide monthly Canyon community dinners in Hungry Horse on the last Thursday of each month.

Yellowstone's 19th century artists on display

The Hockaday Museum of Art will present an exhibition of rare vintage engravings portraying the first three decades of Yellowstone National Park from Jan.8 through Feb. 28.

Down the rabbit hole

Alice was a farmer’s daughter from the Midwest. The youngest in her family, she fed the chickens, weeded and went to a special ed class. Alice grew up secure, loved, happy and useful.

The Missy Kitty doll and the Norelco Shaver

Senior thanks

The North Valley Senior Center would like to take this opportuity to thank the Flathead Electric Cooperative for their Round-Up For Safety program.

Rotary Club thanks

The Columbia Falls Rotary Club has taken over coordination of the Night of Lights Parade. However, last year due to brutal weather, the parade was canceled. What a difference a year makes.

Feds release state's health care numbers

According to a report released by the federal Department of Health and Human Services on Dec. 30, a total of 22,618 people in Montana selected health care insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace leading up to the Dec. 15 deadline for coverage beginning Jan. 1.

Community news

Baseball concession

Outdoor news

Living with wildlife

Two snowmobilers die crossing Seeley Lake

Two Montana men died after their snowmobiles fell through the ice on Seeley Lake on Dec. 26.

Farmers and ranchers, looking back, looking ahead

Agriculture and Farm Bureau can look back at 2014 as being a good year. We saw a lot of unity with farmers, ranchers, municipalities, businesses and others coming together to oppose EPA’s Water of the United States Rule, which is a great overreach of power by a government agency.

Health, schools and taxes on legislative agenda

From across the state, Montana’s citizen lawmakers are heading to Helena soon to debate a bevy of issues ranging from health care to higher education.

Tentative results from Swan Lake gillnetting reported

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks personnel have wrapped up gillnetting on Swan Lake for the year with some new discoveries to report. The project began in 2009 in an attempt to reduce the non-native lake trout population in the lake.

CSKT compact creates water market

Absolute control of surface and ground water for irrigation both on and off the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes reservation in western Montana appears to be the goal of the CSKT Water Compact, which affects 350,000 people in 11 counties.

Theresa LaValley

Theresa E. LaValley 80, passed away Dec. 22, 2014, of natural causes at the Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Four avalanche check stations established

A donation from the Northern Rockies Avalanche Safety Workshop has allowed the Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol to buy and install four avalanche transceiver check stations at popular backcountry access points throughout the area.

C-Falls youngster lands biggest pike

The 44th annual Lions Club Smith Lake Ice Fishing Derby held west of Kalispell on Saturday, Dec. 27, attracted more than 400 anglers. Youngsters composed the biggest part of the crowd, as anglers landed hundreds of small pike and fewer numbers of perch on jigs tipped with maggots or smelt.

Arctic storm brings cold and snow hazards

The big arctic storm that arrived over the weekend has left Northwest Montana and the Flathead Valley covered with deep snow and increased the backcountry avalanche hazards.

Tamara Folsom

Tamara “Tammy” Folsom, age 52, passed away Dec. 23, 2014.

A close encounter of the lion kind

A West Glacier man had a recent encounter in Glacier National Park that was both chilling and exhilarating.

Arthur Otto

Arthur Edward Otto, 69, suffered from a stroke on Dec. 21, 2014 and passed away surrounded by his family on Dec. 23, 2014.

Hiza sinks two free throws to secure a Valkyries victory

Three seconds froze on the clock as Marissa Hiza stepped up to the line. Plains High School was leading the Bigfork High School girls basketball team 36-35. Hiza focused, shot; the first free throw went through the net, and so did the second.

Western takes third place in weight-class at Buzz Lacey Invite

Bigfork high school wrestling is racking up the matches and growing with experience.

Vikings top Plains and Eureka by two baskets

Plains hung tight with Bigfork boys high school basketball for most of Saturday’s matchup in Bigfork.

Flathead adds 1,574 jobs in past year

Flathead County has added 1,574 jobs over the past year, according to a Montana Department of Labor report that ranks the unemployment rates of Montana’s counties.

Bigfork conservation group may bring litigation against county for bridge permit

A newly formed conservation group in Bigfork wants to see the bridge being built to Dockstader Island removed — even if it has to sue Flathead County over it.

Shelter Island owner wins $12 million judgment

 The owner of a $41 million home on Flathead Lake who wants his property taxes reduced won a $12 million judgment in Flathead County — by suing his own construction company.

Senators can carry on Mansfield legacy

While Jeb Bush’s testing of the waters on Dec. 16 has taken up most of the political news, I was more interested in Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham’s announcement of a similar interest in the Presidency on the same day.

Bigfork recycling site closing Jan. 1

On Jan. 1, the recycling containers in Bigfork, Lakeside, Coram and Ashley Lake will disappear.

It was a white Christmas with family and good food

Betty Rice

Betty Evelyn (Leisure) Rice, 92, passed away Dec. 22, 2014, after a full life.

Edward Damm

Edward “Ed” Damm, 82, of Kalispell, passed away Dec. 21, 2014, at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center, in Whitefish.

Now it's time to focus on growing the economy

Recent economic news has been broadly reassuring. Retail sales are strong, November saw the best job gains in three years, the federal deficit is shrinking, the stock market is robust, and the Fed is expressing enough faith in the economy that an interest rate bump next year is considered a certainty.

Kats pour it on against Frenchtown

Cats squeak out win over Broncs

Roberts, Ross take second at Holiday Classic

C-Falls swimmers solid in Great Falls

Peacock, Role run well in S.C.

Meadow Lake project sparks debate

Draft bill would eliminate jail time for some misdemeanors

Plum Creek donates to area food banks

Shop With A Cop puts a smile on young faces

Student tattoo artist designs Wildcat T-shirt

C-Falls family heads off on mission to Haiti

Another strong year for tourism

The University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research reports that 2014 was another strong year for tourism in Montana, with nearly 11 million nonresident visitors spending more than $3.9 billion, according to preliminary numbers.

A letter to President Obama

Now that we’re in a “free a prisoner” mode, how can we forget a true hero, not only of the U.S.A. but of the world?

Judy Russell

History and wildlife on tap at museum lectures

The Museum at Central School, 124 Second Avenue East in Kalispell, will present talks on local history and wildlife with the 13th annual John White Lecture Series.

Daines deserves credit

As a hunter, I know the value of protecting the best wildlife habitat. As a Montanan, I know it’s essential that we put aside ideology and work together to get things done.

More snow and cold forecasted for Northwest Montana

The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting mountain snow and a valley rain to snow transition on Wednesday through Thursday morning, Dec. 24-25, followed by another winter storm this weekend.

Cecile Lampson

Cecile Stelle Lampson, 76, died in Columbia Falls on Dec. 21, 2014.

John Hossack

John F. Hossack, 87, died Dec. 19, 2014, at the Good Samaritan Mountain View Manor in Eureka.

Whitefish mother dies in roll-over

A 27-year-old Whitefish mother died in a single-vehicle rollover on Hodgson Road on Friday, Dec. 19, just before 8 p.m.

Community news

Highway 206 project

Outdoor news

Elk poached

CFAC opposes Superfund listing

The former external affairs spokesman for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., Haley Beaudry, issued a press release on Dec. 19 saying the company “favors a speedy and thorough investigation and analysis” of the smelter site but opposes placing the site on the federal Superfund’s National Priorities List.

Supporters hail passage of North Fork bill

Hike in Park pass price draws reactions

Lindsay Johnstone

Lindsay Leigh Johnstone, 32, of Seattle, passed away Nov. 18, 2014, of natural causes at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Leona Richardson

Leona Belle “Bette” Richardson, 84, died Dec. 13, 2014, at Brendan House while surrounded by her devoted daughters.

Wet snow forecasted this weekend

The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting a very wet weekend, with the least confidence still in the snow levels.

CFAC explains opposition to Superfund listing

The following statement about Columbia Falls Aluminum Co.’s position on a cleanup at the site was made by former external affairs spokesman Haley Beaudry.

Some good news

Here’s some good news: Many good citizens of the Flathead Valley who are customers of Flathead Electric Cooperative allow their monthly bills to be rounded up to the nearest dollar.

County recycling program to consolidate

Blue recycling bins will remain at the Columbia Falls green box site as the Flathead County Solid Waste District consolidates its recycling program and phases out recycling bins at four green box sites starting Jan. 1.

C-Falls holds onto bell-ringing title

The city of Columbia Falls successfully defended its bell-ringing title for the Salvation Army on Dec. 18.

Increasing numbers of flu cases reported in Montana

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reports that local and state public health officials are seeing a significant increase in the number of confirmed influenza cases being reported across the state.

Babe Ruth says thanks

As the year comes to an end, the Glacier Babe Ruth board of trustees would like to take this time to reflect on the 2014 season. This was a year of firsts. We were able to field seven regular season teams, compared to six in past years. Nearly 90 kids ages 13-15 from Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Whitefish enjoyed Glacier Babe Ruth’s regular season and end-of-season tournament.

Plum Creek's 'green lumber' label challenged

An environmental watchdog group based in Lake Oswego, Ore. filed a complaint with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative on Dec. 18 challenging the “green lumber” certification for Plum Creek Timberlands.

U.S. wheat farmers see trade opportunities with Cuba

The National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates have thrown their support behind President Obama’s Dec. 17 announcement that the U.S. will begin discussions to renew diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Dakin and Siderius receive land trust awards

Columbia Falls Realtor Bill Dakin and retired educator Ken Siderius were recognized by the Flathead Land Trust during their Dec. 7 annual membership meeting with the Flathead Land Trust Leadership award.

Kalispell chamber on Glacier Park's proposed fee increases

The following letter was sent to Glacier National Park superintendent Jeff Mow by Joe Unterreiner, president and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

Outdoor news

Elk poached

Recycling: Sometimes smaller is bigger

Starting in January 2015, Flathead residents will need to adapt to significant changes in the county recycling program. These changes will mean fewer drop-off sites for recycling but will also result in bigger savings. This popular program has experienced sky-rocking expenses, but the changes make the retention of the recycling program more viable.

Community college increases its commitment to music education

The last time I took a final exam was in 1988.

Netting on Swan Lake wraps up

The final report isn’t in, but some new discoveries were made during this year’s experimental gill netting on Swan Lake.

Storage units burglarized

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday investigated the report of a burglary of storage units on Aero Lane in Bigfork.

Lakefront property owners will likely see tax relief in 2015

Owners of lakefront property in Montana will likely see property tax reductions in 2015.

Bigfork Children's Theatre opens holiday classic “A Christmas Story”

Ralphie’s quest for an Official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle is on, as the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents “A Christmas Story.” 

Affordable Care Act provides benefits to rural Montanans

Living in a rural community shouldn’t have to come with a hefty price tag for healthcare. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, it no longer has to.

Getting away with torture

Now we have it straight from the chairwoman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Sen. Dianne Feinstein: “Under any common meaning of the term, CIA detainees were tortured. I also believe that the conditions of confinement and the use of authorized and unauthorized interrogation and conditioning techniques were cruel, inhuman, and degrading. I believe the evidence of this is overwhelming and incontrovertible.”

Hockaday announces People's Choice Award

Ron Ukrainetz, Linda Olsen and Darlene Morgan are this year’s winners in the Hockaday Museum of Art’s People’s Choice Awards in the 2014 Members Salon exhibit.

Poll: Montanans support natural resource industries

The Montana Chamber of Commerce’s  P-Base Report recently issued the following finding: “A wide majority of voters trust that Montana businesses can be expected to do the right thing to protect the environment and treat their workers fairly. There has been no major shift in sentiment on this issue in recent years.”

First Amendment not our nation's moral code

The amount of recent turmoil in our community regarding Richard Spencer and the National Policy Institute is a measure of both the seriousness and the complexity of the issue. It is also representative of a fundamental breakdown of communication so basic that while one party cries foul, the other hears an apology.

Kerry talks about Cuba

The following announcement of Cuba policy changes was made by Secretary of State John Kerry on Dec. 17, 2014.

Obama addresses changes in Cuba policy

The following statement on Cuba policy changes was made by President Barack Obama in the Cabinet Room on Dec. 17, 2014.

City bell ringers look to defend title this week

Makena Morley takes third at national championship

It’s official. Makena Morley is one of the fastest high school runners in the country.

Bigfork's drama students continue to excel

Bigfork High School's Speech, Debate and Drama team showed their strength in drama placing third overall at a Kalispell meet.

Wrestlers find intensity at Arlee meet

After a less-than-stellar dual with Eureka last Tuesday, Bigfork wrestling refocused and saw seven victories on Thursday at a meet in Arlee.

Bigfork swimmers compete at Butte Invitational

The Bigfork High School girls swim team attended their second meet on Saturday in Butte. Their next meet will be in Missoula in January.

Vikings start season with two strong victories

Polson and Frenchtown had the height, but Bigfork took the wins over both teams at the Tipoff Tournament in Missoula last weekend.

The perfect present for a practical jokester

Remembering a Bigfork man who had a spark for life

The Bigfork Eagle recently printed an article and obituary that read, “Mike Felt, 86.”  

Kats claw their way to 4-0

Cats go 2-1 for the week, face Frenchtown Saturday

Roberts, Gravelin go undefeated on the road

Babcock wins the 200 free at Butte

Pro baseball coming to Whitefish next year

Flathead Forest's Huey timber sale will help Stoltze

Third local man sentenced for Creston area marijuana grow

BPA proposes increasing rates

CFAC cleanup could start after six years of study

Shop students rocking horse craftsmen

Gateway students get free dental treatment

Chamber recognizes community spirit at luncheon

Celebrate 12 days of Christmas safety

On the first day of Christmas — ensure your Christmas lights conform to CSA or ULC Standards. If using exterior lights, ensure they are plugged into a GFI-protected outlet.

Daines seeks input on forest managemen

The following letter from Rep. Steve Daines asks for input from Montana stakeholders on to their ideas and concerns about forest management reform as Congress prepares to draft legislation to address the challenges facing the National Forest system in the coming year. Daines won election to the U.S. Senate this fall.

Montana one of Peace Corps' top volunteer states

According to rankings posted Dec. 15, Montana ranked No. 7 in the U.S. as a source of Peace Corps volunteers in 2014, with 4.1 volunteers currently serving worldwide per 100,000 residents.

County changes veteran burial policy

In an attempt to clarify the reimbursement process, the Flathead County commissioners on Dec. 15 unanimously approved changes to the county’s policy for veteran burial stipends.

Speakers first at Kalispell Invite

Hill has great week at PRCA Finals

Lakefront property owners could see tax break next year

Owners of lakefront property in Montana will likely see property tax reductions in 2015, according to state tax officials.

Community news

Alumni bball

The roof of Montana

Owing to elevation of the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains, this lofty terrain is scoured by wind and at times ferocious weather. Summer thunder and lightning storms accompanied by hail can be frightening at times, and snow is possible even in July and August.

Federal overreach threatens the rule of law

Over the last year, President Barack Obama’s administration has proposed and taken unprecedented, unilateral action beyond its authority outlined in our constitution and laws. These actions threaten the very rule of law upon which our nation was founded.

Federal lands debate draws a crowd

It was a packed house at the Flathead Valley Community College on Dec. 11 for a debate between Sen. Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, and Rep. Ed Lieser, D-Whitefish, over the pros and cons of Montana taking control of federally owned lands in the state.

18 grizzlies die in human encounters in Montana

According to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, 18 grizzly bears died this year in north-central Montana as a result of encounters with humans in north-central Montana.

Carol Ann Judge

Former Montana First Lady Carol Ann Judge, 73, passed away on Dec. 7, 2014.  

SWAT team member critical of deferred sentence

The Flathead County sheriff’s deputy who shot a woman with an AR-15 automatic rifle in October 2013 says he doesn’t like the two-year deferred sentence the woman received from the Flathead County Attorney’s Office.

C-Falls man sentenced on weapon charge

Senate passes North Fork, Rocky Front bill

A major land use bill that would protect the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead River from future energy leases and land along the Rocky Mountain Front passed the Senate on an 89-11 vote Dec. 12.

Fire departments need more volunteers

Have you ever been involved in a vehicle accident, or had your house catch on fire, or any other life threatening emergency situation where you, your loved ones or someone you know desperately needed help?

Federal forest payments to counties lost in Congress

The Secure Rural Schools program was left out of the $1.1 trillion spending bill passed by Congress this week. The last-minute measure was designed to fund federal government operations through September 2015.

Montana legislative audit finds 'slush fund'

Does your employer pay your hourly rate to go to the gym for three hours a week as part of your job? No, I didn’t think so. This is now happening at the Department of Military Affairs and was discovered during our most recent legislative audit.

Federal lands transfer could cost Idaho millions

A new study by the University of Idaho’s Policy Analysis Group found Idaho could lose as much as $111 million a year millions of dollars if the state takes control of federal public lands in Idaho

Seven bucks wasted west of Trout Creek

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens are seeking information on seven whitetail bucks shot and wasted west of Trout Creek.

Meadow Lake subdivision sparks debate

The Columbia Falls City-County Planning Board unanimously approved two preliminary plat requests for the Meadow Lake Resort area at their Dec. 9 meeting. Both will go to the Columbia Falls City Council for final approval on Dec. 15.

Local brewers turn to kickstarter for funding

The couple behind the Backslope Brewing business that will open next summer on the U.S. 2 strip in Columbia Falls have turned to kickstarter.com to raise an additional $12,500 for the microbrewery.

Bigfork residents have to Dec. 24 to decide on new runoff system

It’s now up to the people.

County works through millions in tax receipts

Getting to Adele Krantz’s office takes a bit of navigating.

Looking Back: Bonding while learning to knit

Symphony and Chorale to perfom Messiah in Bigfork

 The Glacier Symphony and Chorale continues its annual holiday tradition of bringing George Frideric Handel’s iconic “Messiah” to Bigfork and other venues in Flathead Valley Dec. 12-14. 

Community Foundation relies on Bigfork's support

Happy Holidays from the Community Foundation For A Better Bigfork!  2014 was a very busy year for the CFBB.  

Senators want to know about 'dirtboxes'

The following letter about “dirtboxes” was sent to Attorney General Eric Holder and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.

Tester: Flying cell towers violate Constitution

In a Dec. 10 press release, Sen. Jon Tester expressed grave concerns that the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security may be violating the U.S. Constitution by illegally tracking Americans’ cell phones.

Big Mountain worker injured in dumbwaiter

A night janitor at Whitefish Mountain Resort was seriously injured the evening of Dec. 9 while working at the Summit House.

Accessory dwelling zoning amendment OK'd

The Flathead County commissioners on Dec. 9 unanimously approved a contentious zoning amendment that will allow accessory dwellings in most county zoning districts.

County health center wins federal grants

The Flathead Community Health Center recently was awarded $42,645 grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

CFAC breaks off talks with DEQ on cleanup

The former external affairs manager for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. announced in a Dec. 9 press release that the company “is no longer negotiating” with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality about cleaning up the smelter site on the Flathead River near Columbia Falls.

Students excel in drama at two-day meet

The Bigfork High School Speech, Debate and Drama team came back from a two-day meet in Corvallis with a first place in drama.

New coaches lead Vikes and Vals into new season

The Bigfork High School varsity basketball teams are full of familiar faces on the court, but the faces coaching from the sidelines have all changed.

Inexperienced team ready to learn and fight

Vinny Quirk was the only Bigfork wrestler to place at Bigfork High’s opening meet in Polson Saturday.

Swimmers work to improve technique and times

High school swimming opened Saturday with the Kalispell Invitational at the Summit. 

CFAC official explains position on cleanup

Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, LLC is committed to assessing soil and groundwater impacts at its Columbia Falls site but has ended discussions with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to enter into an administrative order on consent for the investigation.

No jail time for woman shot by SWAT team

A prosecution agreement for a two-year deferred sentence has been reached for Michelle Gentry, the Columbia Falls woman who was shot by a SWAT team member in October 2013.

Babcock, Friar golden in inaugural meet

Stenger's block, Morgan's shooting key to first win

Kats crush Lady Blue Devils

Roberts, Denison, Ross lead MatCats

Speakers win Corvallis meet

Young runners head Back East to Junior Olympic meet

Rocky Front protection a decades-long struggle

Historic land-use bills could pass this week

Collaboration shaping land use in Montana

Mow takes first place at Chocolate Extravaganza

Council hears community bonfire proposal

Trigger: The backcountry trail horse that wouldn't die

Young hunter takes home bragging rights

Look up Americans, it's not as bad as you think

We are one glum country. Trust in the federal government is at historic lows, according to Gallup. More than half of the respondents to an October Rasmussen poll think our best days are behind us. And just a few weeks ago, an NBC/Wall St. Journal poll found that the one thing Americans agree upon whatever their race or circumstances is that the system is stacked against people like them.

James Burke

James “Jimmy” F. Burke Jr., 48, died Dec. 7, 2014.

Kenneth Ausk

Kenneth Lyle Ausk, 80, passed away peacefully on Dec. 2, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center following a head injury.

Zinke preparing for move to Washington

Legislative panel asks for changes to CSKT compact

In late October, after spending many months examining the controversial Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact, the Montana Legislature’s Water Policy Interim Committee made several recommendations to the governor’s Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission in hopes of improving the proposed agreement.

Remove public lands provisions from National Defense Authorization Act

The following letter was sent to the U.S. Senate by a number of grassroots environmental groups across the U.S., including the Swan View Coalition in Kalispell, Wilderness Watch in Missoula, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies in Helena, the Montana Environmental Information Center in Helena, the Montana Ecosystems Defense Council in Kalispell, the Conservation Congress in Livingston, and Friends of the Bitterroot in Hamilton.

Spirit of Christmas

Chords of Christmas carols filled the air during the parade at the Night of Lights in Columbia Falls on Friday, Dec. 5. The voices of carolers from the United Methodist Church sang out from the float of the church. “The First Noel,” “Deck the Halls” and “Joy to the World” got the parade viewers to sing along and wave in response to the exuberant singing of the carolers.

An act of God

On the morning of Nov. 29 at the Montana Veterans Home, a large tree split in in half and fell on my daughter’s car and caused $1,523 in damages. My daughter (Lauralee Selders) has worked at the Veterans Home off and on for 11 years.

Thanks for the help

I would like to thank Ebony, Michelle, Barb and Corette at the pharmacy for helping me out with my health problem by calling my doctor and getting me to the hospital.

Hellgate Treaty forbids off reservation water rights

 The claim of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for off reservation water rights on rivers in the CSKT Water Compact is based on the 1855 Hellgate Treaty, Article III: “The exclusive right of taking fish in all the streams running through or bordering said reservation is further secured to said Indians; as also the right of taking fish at all usual and accustomed places, in common with citizens of the Territory, and of erecting temporary buildings for curing; together with the privilege of hunting, gathering roots and berries, and pasturing their horses and cattle upon open and unclaimed land.”

One night only of rockin' Holiday tunes

Christmas in Bigfork continues with gusto on Saturday as Brach Thomson and Friends present “A Touch of Christmas” after the Polar Express Holiday Parade. 

Parole board denies North Fork murderer's plea

The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole turned down a parole plea by the Oklahoma man who tortured and then murdered a North Fork man in 1979.

On the secret Montana House GOP meeting

I would like to award a fresh load of horse apples to the House Republicans’ laughable arguments that Montana’s open meetings laws no longer apply to party caucuses.

Harold Moen

Harold Olaf Moen, 97, died in his home Nov. 28, 2014, in Kalispell.

Local government review training scheduled

The Montana State University Extension Local Government Center will welcome newly elected or appointed study commissioners to Bozeman on Dec. 8-9 for training on how to effectively review and develop reform proposals for their county and municipal governments.

Forecasted icing will make travel difficult

The National Weather Service in Missoula expects ice to be the main weather impact over the next week.

Donna Sutton

Donna L. Sutton, 82, a longtime resident of the Flathead Valley, passed away Nov. 27, 2014. Although her body was failing, her mind was sharp and witty until the end.

Sally Lovell

Sally (Murphy) Lovell, 64, of Columbia Falls and formerly Anaconda, died Dec. 3, 2014, at her residence in Columbia Falls. Services are pending.

Ask the judge

Numerous people have asked what I thought of Judge Baugh and his difficult last year on the bench. Since the grand jury decision in Ferguson, I have had even more people ask me about this. These are difficult issues, but here are a few thoughts.

Bullock signs order to combat invasive species

An executive order aimed at improving and streamlining Montana’s efforts to tackle the threat of invasive species was signed by Gov. Steve Bullock on Dec. 4.

Obama talks about college opportunity

The following remarks were made by President Barack Obama at the College Opportunity Summit at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 4, 2014.

Finding common ground for Montana's lands

We’re a strange pair of fishing buddies, the retired Republican lawmaker and the environmentalist, but we sure do enjoy each other’s company. Together, we tramp through thickets, scramble down riverbanks, wade icy currents — all for the shared pleasure of laying a fly in front of a handsome westslope cutt.

EPA regs come with hefty price tag for Montanans

What would an additional $500 in energy expenses do to your household’s annual budget? Cause you to miss a car payment? Is it a month’s rent or mortgage? The amount of a few little “luxuries” like cable TV or a tablet computer for your kids?

Bullock wants coal plant technologies improved

Gov. Steve Bullock recently laid out his case for a Montana-friendly approach to global warming in formal comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Obama speaks on New York choke-hold case

The following remarks about the grand jury decision in New York City in the Eric Garner case were made by President Barack Obama during the Tribal Nations Conference at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 3, 2014.

Drone hunting for elk

On Nov. 24, I was hunting west of Kalispell in the Thompson River Road area. I was a little over a mile behind a closed road while glassing a ridge for elk.

Co-op lineman's wife responds

I just read the letter to the editor from Keith Armstrong of Columbia Falls. This was such a wonderful gesture, thanking the employees of Flathead Electric Cooperative for the long hours they worked in frigid temperatures to restore electricity to the valley and beyond.  

Glacier Park proposes entrance fee increases

Glacier National Park is asking for public comment on a proposal to increase entrance fees for the first time in nine years.

Bigfork athlete named MVP in senior showcase

After soccer season ended, four Bigfork High seniors were given the chance to play an exhibition game for college scouts.

Thanksgiving with the Hulletts was like a dream

Bigfork writer delves into crafting of character in new book 'Lila'

Maryln Zupicich looked out through the open slats of an old farmhouse toward the frothy whitecaps on Flathead Lake.

The King and I comes to life on Whitefish stage for the holidays

Whitefish Theatre Company presents the family classic The King and I as their holiday show at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.  

Auditions for Community Players' next productions approach

Now’s your time to shine in the spotlight.

Mike Felt remembered as a kind, generous man

We were going to have lunch this week.

Two weekends of Cowboy Christmas at college

In spirit of the holiday season, Flathead Valley Community College Theatre will bring the world-premiere musical comedy “Cowboy Christmas” to the college’s Kalispell campus Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 11-13.  Performances are at 7 p.m. in the FVCC Theatre in the Arts and Technology Building.

Lakeside makes bid to host dragon boat races

The dragons may be going to Lakeside.

Bigfork golf developer Mike Felt passes away

Longtime Bigfork leader and developer Mike Felt passed away Nov. 19.

Greenhouse at Cayuse Prairie offers multiple benefits

A flat of lettuce seedlings planted by third grade students at Cayuse Elementary played a special role Tuesday.

Obama addresses the Tribal Nations Conference

The following remarks were made by President Barack Obama during the Tribal Nations Conference at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 3, 2014.

Tester, Walsh, Daines come together on historic lands-use bill

Montana’s Congressional delegation announced Dec. 3 they have come together on an agreement for a major land-use bill that rolls several pieces of key conservation legislation into a defense spending bill that could pass Congress in the coming days.

More earthquakes reported in the Flathead

Two earthquakes in the Marion area west of Kalispell on Sunday night and Monday morning, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, bring the number of quakes in Northwest Montana in less than three weeks to four.

Area customers lose power for up to 18 hours

Size, speed and depth define Wildkats

Cats reload for another season, big and fast

MatCats look to best last year's third-place finish

Cats' all-state, all-conference football players named

Big Mountain will be open for skiing top to bottom

Whitefish Mountain Resort is poised to have a solid opening day for its 67th season after more than three feet of snow blanketed the resort in November.

Big Mountain's new chairlift raises old concerns

Winter storm topples trees on Park homes

Residential market still settling out

Piano raffle will fund keyboarding software

Teachers get a raise with new two-year contract

Plea deal in works for woman shot by SWAT team

C-Falls man faces fourth felony drug charge

Columbia Falls gets illuminated for the holidays

The Hills: A family of athletes

Seeing the light: Artist Rachel Warner

Spencer speaks on defending free expression

At Monday’s Whitefish City Council meeting (Dec. 1), I endorsed a resolution that recognizes vital “community values” in Whitefish. These include celebrating the “dignity, diversity and inclusion of all of its inhabitants and visitors” and safeguarding their “rights of free speech, freedom of assembly and freedom from discrimination.”

Comments needed on fishing derbies

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on more than 50 fishing contests proposed statewide for the open-water season of 2015.

The 'Messiah'

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale will perform a shorter version of Handel’s iconic choral work “Messiah” at the Whitefish Middle School auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. and the Flathead High School auditorium on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m.

Hats off to the Co-op

In this day of all the modern marvels and high-tech devices we have at our disposal as consumers, certain things are forgotten and just taken for granted.

Parole board listens to North Fork murderer's plea

Obama speaks about race and community

The following remarks by President Barack Obama about how communities and law enforcement can work together to build trust to strengthen neighborhoods across the country were made before elected officials, community and faith leaders, and law enforcement officials in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Dec. 1, 2014.

Supports Tutvedt against censureship

As a Montanan currently living in the east, I follow Montana politics. It is refreshing to read about Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, who illustrates the integrity needed by officials in public office.  

Need to represent all water users

Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, objects to being censured by the Flathead County Republican Central Committee. He believes his actions with respect to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Reserved Water Rights Compact “best represent the majority of my constituents needs.” And he says he’s got “skin in the game” because he’s the “largest irrigator in Flathead Valley.”

On love, hate and political tolerance

Donovan Emerson’s letter published in the Nov. 23 Daily Inter Lake raises an important question — when does human rights advocacy itself conflict with the respectful tolerance of others?

Bucket biologists harm healthy fishing areas

Warren Illi recently wrote a column for the Daily Inter Lake on illegal fish introductions, claiming that fishermen are driven to illegally plant fish, AKA “bucket biology,” because Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials won’t respond to their complaints about poor fishing.

Sheffels retiring after long education career

ViZn recognized for role in new energy economy

Glacier Institute will use grant money to build cabins

Deer harvest slightly higher than last year

The whitetail deer harvest this year finished slightly ahead of last year’s totals, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 officials reported as the season wrapped up Sunday.

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