Thursday, July 31
Type 3 team takes over North Fork fires
The Flathead National Forest reports that a Type 3 management team has taken over responsibility for several wildfires that have been burning up the North Fork since a lightning storm passed through on July 29.
36th annual Festival of Arts this weekend
Artistic talent will be abundant in Bigfork this weekend.
Town Characters: Ernie the Finn and Long George
Preface: This collection of vignettes is a chapter from my childhood memoir, The Tornado in my Life, that spans the period from 1950 to 1964 when my parents, Bill and Anne Haug, owned a bar on Bigfork’s Electric Avenue. While some may remember these characters and events differently than I do, this is my perception of the people and events that shaped my small life, not about facts that have no real meaning out of context.
SLOW installs speed indicators in Somers
Two new speed indicator signs were installed along U.S. 93 near Somers last week, thanks to two years of work by Lakeside’s Jere Newell and Saving Lives on the West Shore.
Festival Amadeus returns to Whitefish for sixth year
The Glacier Symphony and Chorale will host its sixth annual Festival Amadeus in Whitefish on Aug. 4-10. The weeklong celebration will showcase eight distinguished guest soloists and the Festival Amadeus Orchestra in seven nights of chamber and orchestra concerts.
Flathead leads the way in gambling revenue gains
Video gaming revenue in Montana is slowly climbing back to its 2008 levels, before the impacts of the recent recession and the ban on indoor smoking.
What do ants taste like?
A recent conversation with a friend brought about one of those questions that periodically shake the foundations of Western civilization: What does an ant taste like to a trout?
C-Falls woman pens gluten-free guidebook
Wednesday, July 30
Borderlands: What's happening to America?
A man, an American citizen, sits in his car as a U.S. Border Patrol agent insists that he roll down his window. He refuses. Agents use battering rams to smash the windows. Still, the driver refuses to leave his car, so he is hit with a Taser from two sides. He screams.
Lightning storm starts small wildfires
The Flathead National Forest reports that a storm creating 139 lightning strikes on the night of Tuesday, July 28, ignited several small wildfires.
Climate change is a scientific reality
We’re Montanans who also happen to be scientists. As scientists, we understand the scientific principles demonstrating that human activity is rapidly changing our climate. That is why we joined more than 100 other scientists across Montana in sending a letter to our top elected officials calling on them to support policies that reduce carbon pollution.
There's good news, bad news in annual State of the Lake report
Over 100 people packed into a meeting room at the Flathead Lake Biological Station in Yellow Bay last Tuesday, for the annual Flathead Lakers meeting.
Tax lien sales help county budget
Flathead County got a nice little windfall last week.
Commissioners balk at water project
Completion of the Bigfork stormwater project met another obstacle Monday.
Marvel Logan
Marvel Ann Logan, 85, passed away peacefully in the early morning of July 24, 2014. She was born in Whitefish to Ephrium and Sadie Street on Nov. 13, 1928.
Public land puzzle comes together
Two deer jumped out of the underbrush on Otter Island Monday, dipped their muzzles in a cool backwater channel of the Flathead River and fled out of sight.
64th annual Ferndale barbecue is time for community to come together
It may be the one time of the year when people get to see a firefighter … and like it.
Stormwater project deserves county support
You learn so many wonderful things watching YouTube. Things you might not otherwise know, such as PooPouri, a product that is sprayed on WC water before, well, you know, and it somehow makes the room smell like roses. Or citrus. Or whatever.
What happened to the America we used to know?
A few years back I was in an old working class neighborhood of Great Falls, walking down tree-lined avenues that must have been something a few years back.
Hard-working Lakeside volunteer helps overseas troops know they're remembered
Donna Chase stood over a table covered in magazines.
Agreement signed for Sliter Park
Sliter Park is safe for another year.
Classical music builds roots in Bigfork
The Glacier Symphony and Chorale enters its seventh season of summer classical music with its Festival Amadeus, and this year the Whitefish-based concert series comes to Bigfork.
Benefit Revue showcases company talent
Bigfork Summer Playhouse actors will take to the stage Sunday night, showcasing their talent and performing some of their favorite numbers from movie musicals in the annual Benefit Revue.
Twins take second at district tournament
Fraleys take 5K titles in Boogie to the Bank
Montana's state parks celebrate 75 years
Boy Scouts lend hand to Glacier Institute
Bear spray, paddleboards for rent in Apgar
Two Medicine General Store quietly eclipses century mark
Preliminary city budget tops out at $7.5 million
BNSF holds spill training on Middle Fork
Ground broken for last two Habitat units
Tuesday, July 29
Flathead Lake open house
The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station will host a free open house on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. with boat trips through the afternoon, scientific displays about Flathead Lake and its watershed and an opportunity to talk with researchers about their work.
Federal land transfer idea is not reasonable
For those interested in the management of natural resources on national forests and the ability to access those wild and wide open areas, there is an opportunity to ensure you will be able to continue to enjoy and benefit from these activities.
Swimmers do well in divisional meet
The Columbia Falls swim team had several strong performances at the Western Divisional meet in Fort Benton on July 26-27.
Outdoor news
St. Mary Visitor Center reopened
School news
MSU grads
One Day for Glacier campaign kicks off Aug. 2
More than 150 businesses will join the Glacier National Park Conservancy in a fundraising effort for Glacier National Park called One Day for Glacier starting Saturday, Aug. 2. GNPC is Glacier Park’s official philanthropic and outreach partner.
Thanks for your support
The 18th annual Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 3-on-3 basketball tournament was again very successful.
Monday, July 28
Brewery talks making headway
Talks between tavern owners and microbreweries appear to be making progress, as a coalition representing a large portion of the Montana alcohol beverage industry recently announced a draft solution.
VanHorn tested in wilderness course
Alex VanHorn, 20, of Columbia Falls, recently completed a semester-long wilderness course with the National Outdoor Leadership School.
CSKT water compact is an over-reach
I was a member of the House Judiciary Committee that heard the bill that would have implemented the current Confederated Salish and Kootanai Tribes water compact. The bill did not make it out of committee and did not receive enough votes from the full House membership to bring it to the House floor for more debate. This compact did not pass because it was a massive over-reach by CSKT and the Montana Reserved Water Right Commission that negotiated with the tribes for the state of Montana.
Claire Riley
Claire Lupino Riley, 82, died July 21, 2014, at her home in Columbia Falls.
Check stations finding illegal live fish in boats
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that at least nine trailered boats checked recently at roadside watercraft inspection stations were transporting live fish, which is illegal in Montana’s western and central fishing districts.
Bowdoin Wildlife Refuge a haven for wildlife
Fifteen thousand years ago, after leaving its home base in northern Canada, a runaway continental ice sheet passed through these parts, scouring the landscape and moving the Missouri River 50 miles to the south. The lakes that now make up the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge were once a horseshoe bend of the pre-glacier Missouri River.
Daines wrong to kill Montana-made forest projects
Sending a new Congressman off to Washington, D.C. is somewhat like sending a child off to school — you hope he doesn’t fall in with the wrong crowd.
Thursday, July 24
In foreign affairs, not doing anything is the thing to do
The heartbreaking violence in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere carries many messages, but here’s one Americans shouldn’t miss: The United States — no matter who the president is — cannot manage world conflict. The corollary is that when a president tries to manage it, things will usually get worse. Foresight is always defective, and tragic unintended consequences will prevail.
C-Falls man can't seem to stay out of prison
St. Mary Visitor Center closed
Glacier National Park officials report that an early morning incident on July 24 involving the furnace at the St. Mary Visitor Center triggered the building’s sprinkler system.
Conservation groups discover big landslide
The Swan View Coalition and Friends of the Wild Swan recently reported their discovery of a large landslide in the Flathead National Forest that fell into Sullivan Creek.
Feds propose new oil train rules
Stronger tanker cars, slower speeds and keeping state emergency personnel informed — those are the key elements in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s proposed rules for trains hauling crude oil.
Wednesday, July 23
Likes Lewis
Coming from a blue-collar family in Northwest Montana and as a conservative, job creation via natural resource development is a top priority for me.
Rangers kill troublesome black bear at Two Medicine
Glacier National Park Rangers killed a black bear from the Two Medicine area on July 18 after it reportedly exhibited food-conditioned behavior on several occasions — including charging a picnicking family.
Sun Road noise study begins
A vehicle-noise education and outreach project along Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road will take place through mid-August as part of the Sun Road Corridor Management Plan development process.
William Sizemore
William Robert “Bill” Sizemore, 59, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully in his sleep from pneumonia on Dec 26, 2013, in Sequim, Wash., where he was living at the time.
12U All Stars take third at state
Twins rolling into divisional tourney
Trinastich most outstanding player at Shrine game
Ellis receives 2014 Stewardship Award
Modeling in future for Flathead Lake
164 boats fail AIS inspections
In Glacier, two water rescues in one afternoon
Logging truck tips over near Lost Johnny Point
Candidate Mitchell speaks to city
Booming business brings parking issues
A hike in the spirit of Bob Marshall
State 10U baseball champs
The Columbia Falls 10U Cal Ripken baseball team won the state championship held in Ronan last weekend.
William McKinley
William Charles McKinley, 81, of Missoula, passed away July 19, 2014, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.
Alan Robbins is eager to work with Bigfork High School staff and students
Alan Robbins sat behind an empty desk in his new office at Bigfork High School.
Support stormwater project
We need your help! For over two years the Flathead County Commissioners have put off making a decision whether to move forward with the measures needed to complete the Bigfork Stormwater Project. In 2013 the County received approval from the Legislature for a grant from the Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation of $100,000 to help with constructions costs and set up expenses. This grant will not only lower construction costs but would pay for the administrative costs of setting up the Rural Special Improvement District (RSID) for the Bigfork Stormwater Project. Without their action, the grant will expire on December 31, 2014.
Locals raise money to build house in Honduras
The first night after Bonnie Hoffman decided to build a house for a family in Honduras, she couldn’t sleep.
Locals needs to stay on top of county government
Out here in the wild west of southern Flathead County, life’s pretty simple.
Bigfork chalk art festival gears up
Bigfork is hosting its first chalk art festival Sept. 21-22, the Bigfork Chalk ’n Rock Festival, and expects to decorate its streets with as many as 40 large works of art.
Through My Eyes: Cyclists flood Going-to-the-Sun road Saturday underneath the supermoon
My shoes hitting the pavement pounded out a nice rhythm, occasionally interrupted by the whizzing sound of bike spokes, or the purr of a car engine, I plodded up Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Tuesday, July 22
On Bob Marshall's legacy
On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 28, 1928, Bob Marshall departed Kalispell to embark on an eight-day hiking trip that would cover 288 miles and cross landmarks such as Mount Aeneus, White River Pass, the Chinese Wall, Big Prairie, Gordon Pass and Holland Pass and end at the Seeley Post Office.
Obama talks about workforce opportunity bill
The following remarks about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act were made by President Barack Obama at the White House on July 22, 2014.
North Fork bill caught up in Montana politics
Didn’t we all think that the international effort to protect the North Fork Flathead River from coal mining was all but done in 2013?
Kalispell woman wins $100,000 lottery prize
C-Falls man gets 21 years for Evergreen crash
Park talk on print making
The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center at Glacier National Park will host a free brown-bag lecture at the Community Building in West Glacier on Thursday, July 24, from noon to 1 p.m.
Curlyleaf pondweed eradication underway in Flathead Lake
Monday, July 21
Zinke: 'Our principal threat is ourselves'
Bison restoration isn't broken, so stop trying to fix it
The question is not if we should restore bison in Montana — in fact, that’s already in progress. What’s being debated in Montana right now are the devilish details of how and where we do it.
Columbia Falls Heritage Days schedule
Wednesday - July 23
Community news
Flathead National Park
Outdoor news
Weed roundup
Small businesses want minimum wage increase
If Congress actually listened to small business owners, the minimum wage would be going up. Instead, July 24 will mark five years without an increase since the federal minimum wage was set at $7.25 an hour in 2009.
Logan Pass water system temporarily down
Visitors to Glacier National Park’s Logan Pass are advised to bring their own water or refillable water bottle this week while temporary water tanks are installed.
Sunday, July 20
Evans wins 24th annual Coors Light Montana 200
The 24th annual Coors Light Montana 200 finished in stunning fashion as a comeback story was capped off in victory lane by Garrett Evans.
Bill Rinck
A. William “Bill” G. Rinck, 63, of Coram, died on July 16, 2014, following a six-year life-filled journey with prostate cancer, with which he made peace. He took his last breath with his family at their home, surrounded by nature.
Friday, July 18
Relay for Life: help make it a Bigfork institution
A small group of people walked slowly but solemly around the Bigfork High School track at last year’s Relay for Life.
Bigfork Relay for Life should be an Institution
A small group of people walked slowly but solemly around the Bigfork High School track at last year’s Relay for Life.
Bigfork Fourth of July Parade 2014
Conservation groups out of Badger-Two Med lawsuit
Several conservation groups will not be allowed to file as intervenors in a lawsuit filed by an oil company seeking to force U.S. officials to lift a suspension on drilling in the Badger-Two Medicine area south of Glacier National Park.
Glacier and Yellowstone at top of USA Today poll
Travel experts and readers of USA Today recently ranked Glacier and Yellowstone national parks as two of the country’s best.
New report describes economic impacts of national parks
A new National Park Service report shows that the 4.2 million visitors to national parks in Montana spent $397.3 million last year and supported 6,354 jobs in the state.
Costs of new trash site presented
A trash collection “super site” is in the works for Bigfork, but Flathead County officials want more public input before it buys the land to build it.
Decision made on day-use area project
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released a decision Friday for proposed improvements to Wayfarers State Park in the Harry Horn Day use area.
Bigfork's Relay for Life celebrates community spirit
Last July Billie Smith of Bigfork learned she had cancer.
Republicans are wealthiest in Montana Congressional races
Recently released financial disclosure forms indicate that Republican candidates in Montana’s Congressional races have the most personal wealth.
Alleged abortion clinic vandal faces new charge
Columbia Falls man sentenced for heroin possession
Higher energy taxes no solution to Washington fiscal mess
As the summer driving season heats up, time is winding down for Congress to fix the ailing Highway Trust Fund. Though, in usual fashion, the outcome will almost certainly be another temporary patch rather than a long-term solution.
Again, the isolationist smear
It doesn’t take much to be smeared as an isolationist by leading Republicans. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who appears to be running for president again, and former vice president Dick Cheney — not to mention Sen. John McCain, Gov. Chris Christie and other members of the GOP establishment — can always be counted on to drag out that insult whenever they sense a threat from anyone not as hawkish as they are.
Thursday, July 17
Highline Trail now open in Glacier Park
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is open, but snow remains on the trail past Haystack Butte. Strong hiking skills and snow travel skills, as well as the appropriate equipment, are recommended for this alpine trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet.
Wednesday, July 16
Cherry crop on track for good harvest
Average just might be good enough for this year’s Flathead Lake cherry crop.
Hundreds speak out against bridge
A petition signed by 400 people who object to a 600-foot bridge being built on the north shore of Flathead Lake was presented to the Flathead County commissioners last week.
Bigfork Relay for Life changes it up to revitalize event
Bigfork’s Relay for Life is making some changes this year.
Bigfork adds third well to local water supply
The Bigfork Water and Sewer district is adding another well.
Parade made successful by volunteers
There is a lot of behind the scenes activity in providing our community a safe and fun Independence Day parade.
Putting a price tag on Flathead Lake
We love our big, beautiful lake for its stunning clarity. We enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, sunsets, storms, and creating family memories and friendships. The lake supports businesses and provides clean water for the wants and needs of all living creatures within its watershed. It is a special, limited resource and living around it is highly desirable. These elements, subjective and objective, factor into the value of this remarkable jewel, Flathead Lake. But how do economists put a number value on all of this?
Playhouse presents comedic, relatable show
Quirky, hilarious, and relatable.
Hockaday summer activities
The Hockaday Museum of Art presents the 46th consecutive Arts in the Park festival Friday through Sunday, July 18 - 20 in downtown Kalispell’s Depot Park at Main and Center Streets.
Former Bigfork coach leaves Whitefish
Whitefish High School’s new boys basketball coach is on the way out before he even coaches a single game.
Bryn Morley shows well on national stage
Bryn Morley of Bigfork turned in a spectacular showing in the women’s 1,500-meter run final on Sunday at the USA Track & Field Junior Championships at Hayward Field.
Volunteers are key to the success of this Lakeside institution
After seven years of saving money, the West Shore Community Library got a makeover.
Margret Rupp
Margret May Rock Rupp, 77, passed away June 27, 2014, at North Valley Hospital with her family by her side.
New EPA water rules are complicated
Americans expect straight talk from their government. If our government says something, you ought to be able to take it to the bank, as the saying goes.
Karol Knowles
Karol Elaine Knowles, 59, of Browning, daughter of Thelma and Wilbur Gulbranson and mother of Jeremy Erickson, passed away on July 6, 2014, at Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland, Ore.
Bike path fundraiser
Thanks to everyone who came out for the fourth annual Pints for Paths fundraiser for the Gateway to Glacier Trail. A great group of supporters showed up to listen to great music from Spring Wagon String Band and Shakewell and sample beer from 17 different breweries.
Glacier Twins snap mid-season skid
DeWit assistant coach at Tech
Swimmers look to make a mark at home meet
Tester will hear plowing proposals
June visitation was down in Glacier Park
New map for the Cabinet Wilderness
Cash reward bumped up for 'bucket biologists'
Farm bill could help further timber projects
Biologist calls for more wilderness in the Flathead
Ten Commandments park in Columbia Heights
Plum Creek's MDF plant now at 100 percent
CFAC: Hints of progress toward cleanup
Planning for a bigger, better visitor center
Tuesday, July 15
Heard enough
I’ve heard enough. Why’s the world’s greatest liar still allowed to plunder what’s left of this nation?
Obama talks about America's highways
The following remarks on the economy were made by President Barack Obama at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, Va., on July 15, 2014.
C-Falls student on winning science team
Football history
The Brunett family has been in the Columbia Falls area for about five generations. I remember my father Donald Brunett tell me stories about the community support when he played high school football in Columbia Falls. Leather helmets were the safety attire back then.
Woman drowns in McDonald Creek
Monday, July 14
Million dollar grant will preserve habitat for birds
Man found not competent to face charges
School news
College grad
Determining the economic value of Flathead Lake
The following op-ed piece came from the staff at the Flathead Lake Biological Station at Yellow Bay on Flathead Lake.
Sunday, July 13
Woman swept over Lower McDonald Creek Falls
Glacier National Park dispatch was notified of a woman who had fallen into McDonald Creek, near the upper falls and was being carried downstream around 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.
Thursday, July 10
Flathead Lake cherry harvest expected to be average
With harvesting to begin in about a week, this year’s Flathead Lake cherry crop is forecast to be on par with last year’s harvest of about 1.5 million pounds.
Let the immigrants stay
Virtually all commentary about the influx of unaccompanied Central American children into the United States, which some say could rise to 90,000 this year, misses the point — no government has the moral authority to capture these kids and send them back to the miserable situations they have escaped.
Ella Mae Stevens
Ella Mae Stevens, 75, passed away at the Montana Veterans Home on July 8, 2014, after a long battle with breast cancer.
Geologist describes where the gold comes from
David Alt, author and a retired professor of geology at the University of Montana, explains why gold was found in Grasshopper Creek and the surrounding gulches.
New Glacier Park book lists 'must-do' hikes
From majestic mountains to sweeping valleys, Glacier National Park offers a little bit of everything for every hiker.
Plum Creek plant could be 100 percent by Friday
Plum Creek Timber Company’s medium-density fiberboard production plant could be running at 100 percent by week’s end, said Tom Ray, Plum Creek’s vice president of northwest resources and management.
Wednesday, July 9
Flo Town champs
Rough week for Glacier Twins
McCubbins signs to play baseball
Native fish project down to three headwaters lakes
FWP announces trail grants for local projects
Talks continue on BNSF grizzly bear 'take' plan
For terminally ill woman, a special red bus ride
West Glacier sale a $17 million deal
Sun Road completely opened July 2
C-Falls Relay For Life to be held Friday
Hilde Irriger
Hilde Maria Irriger, 98, passed away at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula on June 27, 2014.
Keith Weasel Tail
Keith Alan Weasel Tail, 53, ended a long and hard-fought battle with cancer on July 7, 2014, in the arms of his wife Jeanie.
Tuesday, July 8
Commissioners balance delicate land issues
Bigfork Eagle
After community push, county seeks to develop new trash site
The Flathead County Solid Waste Board voted last week to approve building a new green box site in Bigfork.
New program helps the elderly and people with disabilities enjoy life on the farm
Evelyn Sutton rode on horseback to school as a girl growing up near the Sweet Grass Hills in Chester, Mont.
Neighbor voices concerns over river access
Since 1993 I’ve lived across the street from the access on Rainbow Dr. in Ferndale.
The importance of Life Jackets
Life jackets are like seat belts, they only work if you wear them. Here are helpful tips for having and wearing the right life jacket.
Kayaking instructor Anne Clark stresses the importance of practice
When Anne Clark took her first kayak class she was terrified of flipping her boat.
Open burning closed as July heats up
As of July 1, 2014, open burning will be closed until Oct. 1, 2014. Recreational campfires will be allowed. They must be no bigger than 4’ x 4’ x 4’ and in a fire ring.
Through my eyes: First Riverbend concert of the season made memorable
There’s something magical about rain.
Trout restoration nears completion
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing to waive angling limits on a lake in the Bob Marshall Wilderness that will become the next chapter in a multiyear effort to restore native westslope cutthroat trout.
Glacier Park talk on pollinators
The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center at Glacier National Park will host a free brown-bag lecture on Monday, July 14, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Park’s Community Building, in the Park Headquarters District.
Eugene Lorang
Eugene Rodney “Rod” Lorang, age 70, passed away July 6, 2014, at his home in Whitefish.
Community news
Summer concerts
Sunday, July 6
Lessor wins Super Late Models race
After all the fireworks shows in the valley last night, Montana Raceway Park provided the Twisted Tea and Jesco Marine and Power Sports Super Late Model 125. As the Bandoleros, Bombers, Hobby Stocks and Super Late Models participated in the Firecracker USA shootout, some qualifying records were put to the test, and an amazing performance in the main highlighted the festivities.
Friday, July 4
Bear attacks C-Falls woman
A report of a woman attacked by a suspected black bear while running with her dogs on Forest Service property in the Cedar Flats area north of Columbia Falls was investigated by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Forest Service personnel.
Thursday, July 3
Outdoor news
Big thanks
Newly released data shows heavy oil train traffic
Sun Road now open but could be hazardous
The full 50-mile length of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is now open to motor vehicles, but drivers need to be aware of potential hazards from falling rock and snow.
On immigration
Even if you are a fourth or fifth generation Montanan, your ancestors came from somewhere else to settle here. And his or her reason for doing so could be to start a new life in a new land, or to escape some type of discrimination, persecution or forced conscription.
Obama talks about the U.S. economy
The following remarks about the U.S. economy were made by President Barack Obama at the Tech Hub 1776 in Washington, D.C. on July 3, 2014.
Vote for the Best of Bigfork
Vote for the Best of Bigfork in our annual online poll: http://flatheaddeals.secondstreetapp.com/l/The-Best-of-Bigfork-2014
Flathead Forest seeking input on extensive road system
The Flathead National Forest will host an open house to gather input on its road system at the Supervisor’s Office, 650 Wolfpack Way, in Kalispell on Tuesday, July 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2
Access to Logan Pass available tonight
Glacier National Park officials announced today that the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road will open to vehicle travel later this evening.
Neighbors concerned over high use of Swan River access
Lake County commissioners are meeting in Bigfork today to find a solution to the closure of a popular river access on Rainbow Drive near Bigfork.
County seeks funding to replace steel bridge
Flathead County has applied for state funding to replace the single-lane bridge on Bridge Street in Bigfork.
Bigfork Rotary Club presents annual awards
Rotary Club of Bigfork
Colstrip is neither cheap nor reliable
When your old car continues to break down, there comes a point when you decide to stop throwing money at it and invest in a newer, more reliable vehicle that will save you in the long run. Unit 4 at the aging Colstrip coal-fired power plant is now analogous to that old car that needed a valve job last year, a new exhaust system this year, and likely will need another expensive fix next year as well. Unfortunately, Montana’s electricity bill-payers aren’t in the driver’s seat on the financial decisions for the power plant.
This Montana Life: Living with bears has changed
Nights were the worst when it was bear season.
Raising the red pollution flag
Not feeling any urgency to save lives from the pollution from the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, nothing is getting done with any haste to acquire Super Funds monies to clean up the mess. The new owners of the CFAC, Glencore plc, could care less….as it is saving them money. Their claim of contribution is to pass the obligation to the former owner Atlantic Richfield and BP plc. And, of course, there are the ridiculous findings from well tests, reported to US Senator Jon Tester, that no significant pollution was found. Not much social license here.
Come prepared for early-season hiking in the Jewel Basin
Danni Coffman celebrated her birthday in style Sunday with a sunny jaunt in the Jewel Basin near Bigfork.
Anticipation builds for another great Fourth parade
Oh, Say Can You See!
Celebrating 100 years of women voting in Montana
It was 100 years ago when Montana women gained the right to vote.
Great Northern Gourmet's new owners bring organic, unique food to Bigfork
Great Northern Foods has gone gourmet.
Sheriff's Log June 17-June 23 2014
Tarzan swings into Bigfork
The Bigfork Summer Playhouse production of Tarzan is a captivating, emotional rollercoaster. And in my opinion, far more entertaining than the Disney animation based on a 1914 novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Hobby Lobby ruling falls short
As far as it went, the Supreme Court generally got it right in the Hobby Lobby-Obamacare contraception case. Unfortunately it didn’t go nearly far enough.
Twins split at Ed Gallo tourney
Wrestling classes changed, tourneys have not
Teens study invasive species at camp
Rescue helicopter also good for spotting wayward grizzlies
Lundgrens sell W. Glacier, Apgar holdings to GPI
A personal tale of melting ice
Glacier nominated for best national park
Officials learn about BNSF plans for oil spills
Glencore wants 'sustainable' solution
C-Falls man sentenced for sexual abuse of a child
Hungry Horse woman pleads guilty to homicide
Celebrating the Fourth with a bang
Tuesday, July 1
'Hobby Lobby' lost in a sea of other court rulings
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby ruling on June 30, 2014, Libertarian Party executive director Wes Benedict made the following statement:
McCubbins signs to play college baseball
Cameron McCubbins, son of 1994 Columbia Falls High School graduates Amy and Patrick McCubbins, has committed to attend school and play baseball for Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Ariz.
Columbia Falls man racks up a fifth DUI arrest
Reclaim democracy
I was deeply moved by the op-ed article by veterans Lee Raney, Janevic, Blood, Wolverton and Grove outlining Department of Defense’s efforts to expand the military’s renewable energy production, and urging Americans to patriotically reduce their carbon footprint while encouraging increased domestic production of clean energy.
May and Vernon Mauritsen
The Mauritsen families invite friends and family to celebrate with us the lives of our parents May and Vernon Mauritsen at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow.
Sports news
Heritage tourney
Community news
Pastor honored
Outdoor news
Canyon bike path
