Stories for June 2014

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Monday, June 30

The president speaks on immigration reform
June 30, 2014 4:45 p.m.

The president speaks on immigration reform

The following remarks on border security and immigration reform were made by President Barack Obama in the White House Rose Garden on June 30, 2014.

June 30, 2014 4:44 p.m.

Patriotism and climate change

With the arrival of Independence Day, veterans like us often reflect on what patriotism means in terms of the responsibilities we American citizens have. One responsibility we all have is environmental stewardship.

June 30, 2014 4:31 p.m.

Montana immigrant law struck down

Catherine Hatton
June 30, 2014 8:50 a.m.

Catherine Hatton

Catherine Frances Hatton, 92, passed away on June 26, 2014, surrounded by family.

Sunday, June 29

James Estenson
June 29, 2014 11:53 a.m.

James Estenson

James O. “Joe” Estenson, 67, passed away in Kalispell on May 31, 2014.

Saturday, June 28

Donald Herbert
June 28, 2014 5:58 a.m.

Donald Herbert

Donald Lee Herbert, age 71, passed away June 22, 2014, at his residence in West Glacier.

Friday, June 27

FWP reminds boaters of decals and safety classes
June 27, 2014 10:07 a.m.

FWP reminds boaters of decals and safety classes

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft that they need to get new, free 2014-2017 validation decals for their watercraft soon. The current orange decals expired Feb. 28.

Ranger-led activities in Glacier Park scheduled
June 27, 2014 9:31 a.m.

Ranger-led activities in Glacier Park scheduled

Glacier National Park recently released the schedule for ranger-led activities through July 31. The activities include hikes, talks, boat tours, demonstrations and evening programs.

Native America Speaks programs scheduled
June 27, 2014 9 a.m.

Native America Speaks programs scheduled

The Native America Speaks interpretive program in Glacier National Park kicked off this year’s tourist season on June 25. Members of the Blackfeet Tribe and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes share their knowledge of Native American history and culture throughout the summer. The program includes free 45-minute presentations at the Apgar, Many Glacier, Rising Sun, and Two Medicine campgrounds.

Calls for a common-sense approach to fireworks
June 27, 2014 7:10 a.m.

Calls for a common-sense approach to fireworks

Over the last few years, a summer evening practice that many of us across the valley are being subjected to has become more and more disturbing. It is the often unrestrained and unrepentant use of fireworks.

Thursday, June 26

June 26, 2014 12:39 p.m.

School news

Honor roll

Jonnie Davis
June 26, 2014 12:34 p.m.

Jonnie Davis

Jonnie Musgrove Davis, age 73, passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on June 23, 2014.

June 26, 2014 6:59 a.m.

Criminal politicians

OK, so I always talk negative in my articles. Let me tell you the positive actions that this country must approve of and deem necessary for the drastic changes coming in the near future.

Wednesday, June 25

County closes popular Swan River access
June 25, 2014 1:15 p.m.

County closes popular Swan River access

The Lake County commissioners have closed a popular river access on the Swan River near Bigfork.

Three grizzlies bears shot in Ferndale
June 25, 2014 1:14 p.m.

Three grizzlies bears shot in Ferndale

Zena Pirone had grown fond of watching a mother grizzly bear and her cubs periodically wander through her property in Ferndale.

June 25, 2014 1:11 p.m.

160-foot cell phone tower proposed for Woods Bay

A 160-foot cell phone tower is being proposed near Woods Bay, but few details are available on the project.

Fishing event provides fun day for disabled people
June 25, 2014 1:10 p.m.

Fishing event provides fun day for disabled people

Almost 100 anglers with disabilities participated in the 21st annual Fishing Without Barriers Day on Flathead Lake last Thursday.

Senior center aims to rebrand as community center
June 25, 2014 12:50 p.m.

Senior center aims to rebrand as community center

When Maggie Pontius celebrated her 100th birthday at the Bigfork Community Center, it was a celebration on several fronts.

June 25, 2014 12:46 p.m.

This Montana Life: The Hit Men took us back to a long-forgotten decade

“May I join you?” the young man asked Bernice.

June 25, 2014 12:44 p.m.

Landowners need to work with public

Once again the issue of public land and private property owners is coming to a head.

June 25, 2014 12:43 p.m.

Study the Ouija board to see fate of Lake Trout

With the recent news that the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes began their first round of gillnetting in April, the question over what will become of our Lake Trout fishery is again at the forefront.  

Ryan Gembala pursues career in aviation
June 25, 2014 12:40 p.m.

Ryan Gembala pursues career in aviation

He hovered inches off the ground, grass whipping away from the helicopter. The door to the house opened and an older couple stepped out.

June 25, 2014 12:39 p.m.

Local students recognized for college achievements

The following Montana students have been named to Montana State University honor rolls for spring semester 2014.

June 25, 2014 12:34 p.m.

Retired duo finishes restoration of antique truck

Brad Nelson dropped the truck into first gear and pulled out on to the highway in Bigfork.

June 25, 2014 12:33 p.m.

Fundraiser to benefit grizzly bear population

The annual fundraiser for Montana wildlife biologists who oversee the state’s grizzly bear population is July 11 at Jack and Suzi Hanna’s farm near Bigfork.

Pops concerts in Bigfork, Kalispell draw classical music fans
June 25, 2014 12:30 p.m.

Pops concerts in Bigfork, Kalispell draw classical music fans

“American Inspiration” is the theme of this summer’s annual Symphony Pops concert performed by the Glacier Symphony at Rebecca Farm on Saturday, June 28.

Shuttle bus will run to The Loop
June 25, 2014 9:28 a.m.

Shuttle bus will run to The Loop

The Going-to-the-Sun Road may not be open to vehicles as far as Logan Pass, but visitors can still get a taste of the high country via Glacier National Park’s free shuttle service starting Thursday, June 26.

June 25, 2014 8:30 a.m.

Swimmers take second at Plains

C-Falls takes second at tourney
June 25, 2014 8:27 a.m.

C-Falls takes second at tourney

Twins split against Red Sox
June 25, 2014 8:25 a.m.

Twins split against Red Sox

Walsh vows to stop sale of public lands
June 25, 2014 7:49 a.m.

Walsh vows to stop sale of public lands

The following remarks were made by Sen. John Walsh on the Senate floor on June 24, 2014, as he sought to introduce legislation to prevent Congress from selling public lands. He also advocated that people watch “Common Ground,” a documentary about the Rocky Mountain Front and legislation he is sponsoring, the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act. The documentary can be viewed at http://commongrounddoc.com.

June 25, 2014 7:48 a.m.

Lessons from the Scapegoat Wilderness

In 1972, nearly 240,000 acres of federal public land lying between Montana’s iconic Rocky Mountain Front and storied Blackfoot River Valley became the first acres in the nation to enter the wilderness system at the behest of ordinary citizens.

June 25, 2014 7:47 a.m.

If we don't stand up to the feds, who will?

There’s an important reason why every state official, when sworn into office, must pledge to “support, protect and defend the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the state of Montana.”

June 25, 2014 7:44 a.m.

Thanks for help

I would like to personally thank the many professional volunteers who donated their time and expertise to once again help Columbia Falls High School athletics with their annual pre-participation physical exams (sports physicals).

William Hodge
June 25, 2014 7:43 a.m.

William Hodge

William R. “Bill” Hodge, 95, died June 23, 2014, at North Valley Hospital following an accidental fall in his home.

Robert Starling
June 25, 2014 7:42 a.m.

Robert Starling

Robert Dale Starling, 76, died at his home in Eureka on June 18, 2014.

Tuesday, June 24

June 24, 2014 9:47 a.m.

Five inducted into C-Falls Hall of Fame

Columbia Falls High School has selected five 2014 seniors to be inducted into the high school’s athletic hall of fame for their distinguished high school accomplishments. They include Haley Belgarde, Alex Presnell, Josiah Osborne, Jared Trinastich and Mason Gedlaman.

Montana before YouTube
June 24, 2014 9:05 a.m.

Montana before YouTube

Sometimes we need to be reminded of the fact that not everything is on YouTube.

June 24, 2014 7:42 a.m.

Middle Fork thinning project

June 24, 2014 7:36 a.m.

Outdoor news

Canyon bike path

June 24, 2014 7:35 a.m.

Glacier Park news

The melting glaciers

June 24, 2014 7:34 a.m.

Community news

Jazz camp

President Obama talks about working families
June 24, 2014 6:15 a.m.

President Obama talks about working families

The following remarks were made by President Barack Obama at the White House Summit on Working Families at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. on June 23, 2014.

Cleve Malmstrom
June 24, 2014 6:11 a.m.

Cleve Malmstrom

Cleve A. Malmstrom, of Whitefish, Montana drowned while fly fishing on the Missouri River near Craig, Montana on a beautiful afternoon June 20, 2014, at almost age 42.

Monday, June 23

June 23, 2014 9:34 a.m.

Canyon trail

Gateway to Glacier Trail sends a huge thank you to all who made our Pedal and Paddle Paths event a great success. Participants were treated to a fun afternoon of bicycling, rafting and good food. The turnout was greater than expected and we hope everyone had a good time. We hope to make this a yearly event.

Rain and birds
June 23, 2014 9:24 a.m.

Rain and birds

Rain, rain and more rain. Oh yes, and snow in the mountains. Must be June in Montana.

June 23, 2014 7:39 a.m.

CFAC cleanup costs

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. is owned by Glencore Xtrata, the largest diversified commodities trader of coal, oil, copper, zinc, lead, aluminum, metal alloys and grain.

Sunday, June 22

June 22, 2014 8:46 a.m.

Drink up - all it can do is kill you

Not feeling any urgency to save lives from the pollution from the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, two of the Flathead County commissioners and the governor of Montana, the Department of Environmental Quality, and Environmental Protection Agency, nothing is getting done with any haste to acquire Superfund monies to clean up the mess.

Friday, June 20

June 20, 2014 11:47 a.m.

Fishing without Barriers

June 20, 2014 10:38 a.m.

Pot caregiver runs afoul with probation office

A 54-year-old Kalispell man arrested in 2011 while hauling marijuana to Great Falls is back in court after his petition for early termination of his sentence went seriously awry.

June 20, 2014 7:21 a.m.

June weather breaks rainfall records

It might not have rained as hard as it did in June 1964, creating a 500-year flood marking its 50th anniversary this year, but this past week’s low pressure system set a number of records for rainfall in the Flathead Valley.

June 20, 2014 7:02 a.m.

Petition drive for Medicaid expansion initiative falls short

The sponsor of a ballot initiative seeking to expand Medicaid coverage to the working poor in Montana said there wasn’t enough time to gather the required voter signatures and the initiative won’t appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Bob Snyder
June 20, 2014 6:45 a.m.

Bob Snyder

Bob Snyder, 53, passed away June 7, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Walsh urges caution regarding U.S. troops in Iraq
June 20, 2014 6:43 a.m.

Walsh urges caution regarding U.S. troops in Iraq

The following remarks about Iraq were made by Sen. John Walsh on the floor of the U.S. Senate on June 18, 2014.

Thursday, June 19

Park rangers kill food-conditioned bear
June 19, 2014 1 p.m.

Park rangers kill food-conditioned bear

Busy month for bear managers

June 19, 2014 12:56 p.m.

Colstrip is neither cheap nor reliable for Montanans

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.

Highway fund is the road to our future
June 19, 2014 11:56 a.m.

Highway fund is the road to our future

Montanans hit the road for many reasons. Visiting friends and family. Getting our first-rate products to market. Or just going for a Sunday drive.  

Middle Fork corridor watchdog group to hold spring meeting
June 19, 2014 7:07 a.m.

Middle Fork corridor watchdog group to hold spring meeting

The Great Northern Environmental Stewardship Area group will hold their spring meeting at Grouse Mountain Lodge, in Whitefish, on Tuesday, June 24, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Norma Servo
June 19, 2014 6:37 a.m.

Norma Servo

Norma Emma Servo, 78, died from Alzheimer’s disease and complications from a brief illness at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on June 16, 2014. She was surrounded by her family.

Wednesday, June 18

Olga Hoerner
June 18, 2014 2:53 p.m.

Olga Hoerner

Olga Hoerner, 98, passed away in Seattle, Wash., on Feb. 5, 2014.

Severe weather closes Park trails, campgrounds, roads
June 18, 2014 1:11 p.m.

Severe weather closes Park trails, campgrounds, roads

Nasty weather in Glacier National Park has closed some campgrounds, trailheads and roads. More than six inches of rain and more than a foot of snow fell on some parts of the Park.

June 18, 2014 12:45 p.m.

Bigfork high school hires new basketball coach

Bigfork High School Tuesday announced the selection of the new head basketball coach and activities director.

California man spearheads Bigfork Monument for victims of Libya attack
June 18, 2014 12:43 p.m.

California man spearheads Bigfork Monument for victims of Libya attack

Bill Thomas lives and breathes fire every day.

June 18, 2014 12:42 p.m.

Halting the seeds of violence at a young age

Kevin and Morty were a gang of two.

Hall Lake: Exploring Northwest Montana through my eyes
June 18, 2014 12:40 p.m.

Hall Lake: Exploring Northwest Montana through my eyes

The first sign that we were hitting the trail a bit too early in the season came about a mile into the hike. We had already climbed over a few downed trees, but I know better than to expect a perfectly maintained trail at the start of the season.

Fat Tire Frenzy
June 18, 2014 12:36 p.m.

Fat Tire Frenzy

Every few years someone comes up with a new way to ride a bicycle.

Bigfork student wins car in PAVE
June 18, 2014 12:35 p.m.

Bigfork student wins car in PAVE

Not many 15-year olds can say they’ve won a car, but Bigfork High School student Ethan Olson can.

Designing a character, playhouse costume shop full of creativity
June 18, 2014 12:33 p.m.

Designing a character, playhouse costume shop full of creativity

Above the windowed double door hangs a sign reading “Costume Shop.”

After a career working in California prisons, Robert Marquez heeds call to Flathead Valley
June 18, 2014 12:30 p.m.

After a career working in California prisons, Robert Marquez heeds call to Flathead Valley

As a devout Christian Robert Marquez is big on forgiveness.

Sprunger-Whitney nature trail kept pristine by non-profit partnerships
June 18, 2014 12:27 p.m.

Sprunger-Whitney nature trail kept pristine by non-profit partnerships

The Sprunger-Whitney Nature trail got some much-needed care last week.

Bigfork innovators kickstart titanium straws
June 18, 2014 12:26 p.m.

Bigfork innovators kickstart titanium straws

Malissa Kelly and Steven Kelly have spent the last six months testing straws — titanium straws that is.

June 18, 2014 12:20 p.m.

Fourth annual Crown Summer Guitar Celebration coming up

The fourth annual Crown Summer Guitar Celebration is June 22 at 4 p.m. in Bigfork.

June 18, 2014 12:19 p.m.

Partisan politics normal since Obama's election

The quandary among Republican leadership and many news outlets has to be how to deal with Democratic proposals, plans, policies and positive attitudes when just responding with “No” gets a bit tiresome and lacking in news value.  But they have figured out a way, and it is interesting to hear and watch.

June 18, 2014 12:16 p.m.

Wayfarers park plan could be better

I’m glad all the parties involved in choosing more asphalt parking lot at Harry Horn park next to Wayfarer’s State Park are pleased. I think the plan can be better. With more lights and light pollution and more asphalt and its dirtier water draining into Flathead Lake, will any animals around the park except human want to use the park?

June 18, 2014 12:15 p.m.

Open burring closed June 30 until Oct 1

Spring is here; the snow is coming off the mountains and making our rivers running high and fast. Bigfork Fire Department wants everyone to enjoy the water but make sure that everyone is wearing personal flotation devices when in and around the water. It appears that we will not have any flooding this year.

June 18, 2014 12:13 p.m.

Flathead National Forest meetings productive

The Meridian Institute would like thank everyone who participated in the Flathead National Forest plan revision stakeholder collaboration meetings over the past eight months.  

Storm brings snow, rain and flooding
June 18, 2014 8:45 a.m.

Storm brings snow, rain and flooding

Motorists traveling over Marias Pass on U.S. 2 could encounter snow this week. Heavy snow was falling as low as Snowslip on the west side of the Divide on Tuesday, June 17, about four miles below the pass. Snow also was reported around the Many Glacier Hotel on Tuesday.

Corrected charge in Polebridge sex abuse case
June 18, 2014 6:59 a.m.

Corrected charge in Polebridge sex abuse case

The 56-year-old Polebridge man accused of sexually abusing a girl who was 8-10 years old at the time has pleaded guilty to a single felony count of sexual abuse of children.

Edith Mason
June 18, 2014 6:55 a.m.

Edith Mason

Edith Knutson Schulte Mason, 95, passed away at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on June 15, 2014, with her family by her side.

Agency on Aging building not a good idea
June 18, 2014 6:53 a.m.

Agency on Aging building not a good idea

The following words were presented to the Flathead County Commissioners during their June 16 hearing on the preliminary budget.

Tuesday, June 17

Wet, cold June impacting Park opening
June 17, 2014 12:15 p.m.

Wet, cold June impacting Park opening

Glacier National Park official say snow conditions, cool weather and debris from snow slides are challenging some spring-opening operations for trails, facilities and roads.

It's an 'American Inspiration' at Rebecca Farm
June 17, 2014 11:49 a.m.

It's an 'American Inspiration' at Rebecca Farm

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale will hold its Summer Symphony Pops concert, “American Inspiration,” at Rebecca Farm near Kalispell on Saturday, June 28, with popular movie tunes and a patriotic audience sing-along.

June 17, 2014 9:50 a.m.

Outdoor news

Park talk

June 17, 2014 9:50 a.m.

Community news

Summer concerts

Hockaday's plein air art event benefits museum
June 17, 2014 7:24 a.m.

Hockaday's plein air art event benefits museum

The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell will hold its seventh annual Plein Air Paint Out event on June 18-20, with participating artists choosing their painting location at any public park or forest area.

Time to shine the light on dark money
June 17, 2014 6:53 a.m.

Time to shine the light on dark money

The venerable Barry Goldwater warned that, “Unlimited campaign spending eats at the heart of the democratic process. It feeds the growth of special interest groups created solely to channel money into political campaigns. It creates an impression that every candidate is bought and owned by the biggest givers. And it causes elected officials to devote more time to raising money than to their public duties.”

Monday, June 16

Jay Jones
June 16, 2014 9:22 a.m.

Jay Jones

Jay Herbert Jones Jr., 75,  passed away on June 14, 2014, in Missoula.

June 16, 2014 8:49 a.m.

Obama's GHG regs taking center stage in Montana elections

“It’s the economy, stupid.” James Carville’s theme for Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign rings just as true 20-odd years later. Pocketbook issues matter more to voters than anything else — and in 2014, American voters are going to be motivated by the granddaddy of them all.

June 16, 2014 8:48 a.m.

No child in Montana should go hungry

It’s an ambitious goal that our schools can help achieve. Starting next school year, eligible schools in Montana can participate in a new school meals option called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

Friday, June 13

June 13, 2014 2:40 p.m.

Canyon man sentenced again for decade-old assault

A 27-year-old Martin City man was sentenced to five years with the Montana Department of Corrections, all suspended, after his decade-old sentence for a brutal assault in the Canyon was revoked for the third time.

Forest users warned about high water and closed areas
June 13, 2014 1:21 p.m.

Forest users warned about high water and closed areas

Flathead National Forest managers are warning backcountry visitors that water levels remain high and could be dangerous for foot or stock crossings. Trail crews work are encountering small wash-outs and some large avalanche debris areas.

June 13, 2014 6:50 a.m.

Teen smoking, drinking and fighting down

But texting while driving is on the rise

John Broers
June 13, 2014 6:20 a.m.

John Broers

John Andrew Broers, 69, died on March 14, 2014.

Thursday, June 12

MDF plant could be back online in a month, Plum Creek says
June 12, 2014 2:52 p.m.

MDF plant could be back online in a month, Plum Creek says

Plum Creek Timber Co. officials said June 11 that they should have the medium density fiberboard plant in Columbia Falls up and running in about a month. The company also had praise for the efforts of firefighters who battled the June 10 blaze.

Glacier Park plows working on Big Drift
June 12, 2014 1:43 p.m.

Glacier Park plows working on Big Drift

Glacier National Park road crews have reached the Big Drift, on the Going-to-the-Sun road just east of Logan Pass. They were working on the deep snow on Thursday, June 12, as they continue to clear the Sun Road of snow.

June 12, 2014 1:25 p.m.

Junior High thanks

I would like to thank the many local businesses for supporting the eighth grade party: Freedom Bank, Glacier Bank, Parkside Federal Credit Union, Lyle Mitchell State Farm, Re/Max Mountain View, The Backroom, Plum Creek Timber, Schellinger Construction, Meredith Construction, Costco, Super 1 Foods, Western Building Center and Pizza Hut.

June 12, 2014 7:37 a.m.

Protect the North Fork

As Montanans, we must continue to push for protection of the beautiful parts of creation that are at the heart of the place we call home.

Marjorie Redding
June 12, 2014 6:39 a.m.

Marjorie Redding

Marjorie B. Redding, 87, died June 9, 2014, at the Bee Hive Assisted Living facility in Columbia Falls.

Nellie Lutz
June 12, 2014 6:38 a.m.

Nellie Lutz

Nellie “Colleen” Lutz, 53, died June 10, 2014, at her home in Columbia Falls.

Wednesday, June 11

Composer to talk about wilderness music
June 11, 2014 12:03 p.m.

Composer to talk about wilderness music

Public invited to “brown-bag” talk

June 11, 2014 10:20 a.m.

Offended and saddened by Bad Rock zipline

When I read about the zipline going in by the House of Mystery a while back, I envisioned a line across the street going down Columbia Mountain where you would get a nice view of the valley and river from a respectable and safe distance away from the highway and business already established there. I actually thought it sounded kind of cool.

Wood dust caused Plum Creek MDF explosion
June 11, 2014 10:09 a.m.

Wood dust caused Plum Creek MDF explosion

But exact location not known yet

Yurts on Flathead Lake offer a luxurious way to rough it
June 11, 2014 9:30 a.m.

Yurts on Flathead Lake offer a luxurious way to rough it

Sounds of laughter drifted along the shore of Flathead Lake, and a delicate crescent moon dangled over the Swan Mountains.

June 11, 2014 8:15 a.m.

Delaying Social Security could help retirees

Flathead County residents who are nearing retirement age can increase their lifetime income if they can wait a bit to start drawing Social Security benefits.

Plum Creek MDF plant catches fire
June 11, 2014 7:45 a.m.

Plum Creek MDF plant catches fire

An explosion at Plum Creek’s medium density fiberboard plant at about 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, was heard across Columbia Falls and filled the town with acrid smoke.

June 11, 2014 6:58 a.m.

Glacier Twins win streak now at 12

Biologist's musings about college echo modern critiques
June 11, 2014 6:21 a.m.

Biologist's musings about college echo modern critiques

In 1916-18, Morton J. Elrod, professor of biology at the State University of Montana in Missoula and a prominent Montana naturalist, sounded themes remarkably similar to those of modern critics in his musings about “The American University.”

June 11, 2014 3:15 a.m.

Editors Note: County should be part of the garbage solution

There is a beautiful waterfall near Shiraz, Iran, where I once travelled.

June 11, 2014 3 a.m.

Locals get on board with plan for Wayfarers State Park

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks met with local community members May 20 to discuss proposed changes to Wayfarers State Park and the Harry Horn Day Use area.

Talking Trash: Locals voice their opinions on trash site consolidation
June 11, 2014 3 a.m.

Talking Trash: Locals voice their opinions on trash site consolidation

Local residents finally had their say.

Tuesday, June 10

June 10, 2014 1:21 p.m.

News coverage misinforms Americans on Bergdahl swap

In national-security matters, the news media couldn’t do a better job misinforming the public if they tried. The latest example is their portrayal of the five Taliban officials traded for Bowe Bergdahl.

June 10, 2014 11:40 a.m.

Feds reach agreement with Missoula County

The following remarks announcing an agreement with Missoula County Attorney’s Office were made by Michael Cotter, the United States Attorney for the District of Montana.

June 10, 2014 11:24 a.m.

Community news

Farmers market

June 10, 2014 11:20 a.m.

Nurses say thanks

Thank you to School District 6 administrators, staff, teachers, para-educators and students. You fill our days with hope and joy, and keep us very busy.

Town folk set priorities for community future
June 10, 2014 3 a.m.

Town folk set priorities for community future

Fishing has always been a good way to relax.

Monday, June 9

James Jensen
June 9, 2014 12:27 p.m.

James Jensen

James “Jim” Harold Jensen went home to live with Jesus on June 8, 2014.

June 9, 2014 12:06 p.m.

Uniting Montana during the political season

Now that the primaries are over, it is a good time to take the temperature of the political climate in Montana. And wherever politicians in this state might stand on the issues of water and weather, they would all probably agree that, when it comes to politics, our state is going to get a whole lot warmer in the next few months.

School news
June 9, 2014 9:39 a.m.

School news

Plum Creek recently presented scholarships to eight students from Columbia Falls High Schools.

Chris Drake
June 9, 2014 6:12 a.m.

Chris Drake

Christopher “Caiden” Drake, 35, passed away May 19, 2014, in Boulder, Colo.

Sunday, June 8

Everett Levitt
June 8, 2014 8:51 a.m.

Everett Levitt

Everett “Dewey” Levitt, 88, passed away at Brendan House in Kalispell on May 25, 2014.  

Friday, June 6

Library plan calls for $22.6 million in new buildings
June 6, 2014 3:19 p.m.

Library plan calls for $22.6 million in new buildings

The Flathead County Library System’s new facilities master plan calls for construction of new libraries in Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Bigfork at a cost that could reach about $22.6 million.

All day HazMat exercise held at CFAC site
June 6, 2014 3:04 p.m.

All day HazMat exercise held at CFAC site

Emergency responders from across Flathead County gathered at the closed Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant for an all-day hazardous materials training exercise last week.

June 6, 2014 2:39 p.m.

Humbled by support

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Flathead County for their support during the June 3rd primary election. It will be my honor to advance to the general election and serve this community as the next Flathead County Clerk and Recorder.

Swan River eighth graders love learning
June 6, 2014 1:30 p.m.

Swan River eighth graders love learning

Thirteen eighth graders graduated from Swan River School on Monday.

June 6, 2014 1:28 p.m.

Thanks for voting

To all of the voters, supporters, friends and family — thank you for your faith and encouragement in my campaign for Flathead County Commissioner. I am humbled by the victory. More importantly, I’m humbled by you.

National Get Outdoors Day is June 14
June 6, 2014 1:19 p.m.

National Get Outdoors Day is June 14

The Flathead National Forest encourages everyone to participate in National Get Outdoors Day on June 14.

Logan Pass opening likely to be after June 20
June 6, 2014 1 p.m.

Logan Pass opening likely to be after June 20

In all likelihood, the full length of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road won’t open to motor vehicles until sometime after June 20, Park officials said during a tour of the plowing effort with media June 6.

Ernie Pyle: Reporting 11 days after D-Day
June 6, 2014 9:11 a.m.

Ernie Pyle: Reporting 11 days after D-Day

To mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana, Ind., and the Scripps Howard Foundation made available this column by Pulitzer Prize winning war correspondent Ernie Pyle written soon after the Normandy invasion.

Jack Strickler
June 6, 2014 7:04 a.m.

Jack Strickler

Jack Strickler, 59, passed away from cancer at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell on June 4, 2014.

June 6, 2014 7:03 a.m.

New green house gas proposals causes more pain than gain

You only need to know one number about the Obama administration’s much-ballyhooed restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions: 1.8 percent. That’s how much the restrictions will reduce global carbon dioxide emissions: 1.8 percent.

June 6, 2014 7:01 a.m.

Forest Plan collaboration

The Meridian Institute would like thank everyone who participated in the Flathead National Forest plan revision stakeholder collaboration meetings over the past eight months. It has been our pleasure to work with the forest staff and more than 165 people who attended up to 16 evening meetings to talk about how the forest should be managed.

Obama speaks at Normandy about D-Day
June 6, 2014 6:33 a.m.

Obama speaks at Normandy about D-Day

The following remarks on the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion were made by President Barack Obama at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial near Omaha Beach, in Normandy, France, on June 6, 2014.

Thursday, June 5

June 5, 2014 3:01 p.m.

The Putin link to Montana coal mining

Will Russian President Vladimir Putin get richer thanks to a sweetheart government coal deal in Montana? Last month, the U.S. Treasury Department informed Congress that Mr. Putin personally held an interest in an international oil and gas investment fund called the Gunvor Group, run out of Geneva, Switzerland. Team Putin adamantly denied his involvement, but the Treasury Department insisted it was right.

June 5, 2014 12:42 p.m.

Leave no man behind

Would someone tell me why this president would make so much praise and to-do over a soldier who went AWOL from his post and sits in our enemy’s camp for over four years?

BNSF, Union Pacific reluctant to provide info on oil trains
June 5, 2014 8:13 a.m.

BNSF, Union Pacific reluctant to provide info on oil trains

BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad have asked Washington state officials to keep information about oil train shipments away from the public.

Wildfire Awareness Week: Preparing for evacuation
June 5, 2014 8:09 a.m.

Wildfire Awareness Week: Preparing for evacuation

This week is Wildfire Awareness Week. The following column on evacuating homes near the urban-wildland forest interface was provided by the Flathead National Forest.

June 5, 2014 7:22 a.m.

Sgt. Bergdahl and the fog of war

The “fog of war” is a reference to the moral chaos on the battlefield as well as the rampant confusion. Individuals kill others for no other reason than that they are ordered to. Things deemed unambiguously bad in civilian life are authorized and even lauded in war. The killing and maiming of acknowledged innocents — in particular children and the elderly — is excused as “collateral damage.”

June 5, 2014 7:21 a.m.

Kudos to C-Falls

I recently was assigned to work the Columbia Falls primary election in Precinct 21 and 35, held at the Columbia Falls High School. I truly believe the “American Small Town Spirit” is alive and well in Columbia Falls. Allow me to share my experience.

June 5, 2014 7:19 a.m.

California's not just for people anymore

Kudos to the California Fish and Wildlife Commission for recently providing full protection for wolves under their state’s Endangered Species Act. I hope they strictly enforce the actions.

Timothy Ward
June 5, 2014 7:19 a.m.

Timothy Ward

Timothy Brian Ward, 65, passed away on May 31, 2014.

Bigfork herbalist teaches benefits of medicinal plants
June 5, 2014 4 a.m.

Bigfork herbalist teaches benefits of medicinal plants

Spring is here, plants are waking up and Swan Valley Herbs is replenishing stocks.

Wednesday, June 4

June 4, 2014 8:39 a.m.

Twins win six games in a row

Cats fall to Dogs in smoker
June 4, 2014 8:35 a.m.

Cats fall to Dogs in smoker

June 4, 2014 8:19 a.m.

Community news

Seniors sale

June 4, 2014 4 a.m.

North shore bridge permit in violation

Consideration of a lakeshore permit amendment for a bridge on the north shore of Flathead Lake has been postponed due to an additional violation of the permit.

Tuesday, June 3

Wildfire Awareness Week: Protecting the home
June 3, 2014 12:12 p.m.

Wildfire Awareness Week: Protecting the home

This week is Wildfire Awareness Week. The following column on protecting homes near the urban-wildland forest interface was provided by the Flathead National Forest.

Call a licensed beekeeper for errant swarms
June 3, 2014 10:14 a.m.

Call a licensed beekeeper for errant swarms

Montana is ranked No. 2 in the U.S. for honey production, so it’s not too uncommon for someone to come across a wandering bee swarm.

Bigfork Youth Baseball hopes to grow and build fields
June 3, 2014 9 a.m.

Bigfork Youth Baseball hopes to grow and build fields

The batter hit the ball straight to second.

June 3, 2014 6:39 a.m.

C-Falls man charged with meth and assault

A 31-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty in Flathead County District Court on May 22 to assaulting his girlfriend and possessing methamphetamine.

Monday, June 2

June 2, 2014 9:20 a.m.

Outdoor news

Canyon trail

June 2, 2014 9:19 a.m.

Glacier Park news

Citizen science

June 2, 2014 9:16 a.m.

School news

Dean’s list

Sunday, June 1

Laurence Craft
June 1, 2014 3:32 p.m.

Laurence Craft

Laurence Craft, 95, passed away May 25, 2014 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

William Prichard
June 1, 2014 3:32 p.m.

William Prichard

We celebrate the life and mourn the loss of William Arthur Prichard.

Helen Brinkerhoff
June 1, 2014 3:31 p.m.

Helen Brinkerhoff

Helen Hoerner Weiand Brinkerhoff passed away May 29, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with her daughter by her side. Her pain and suffering are now over, and she can finally have the peace she deserves.

Donald Holmquist
June 1, 2014 3:30 p.m.

Donald Holmquist

Donald Bill Holmquist, 69, died on May 9, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.