Ellington

County health board OK's Ebola protocols

Quarantine and isolation measures are chief components to new Ebola protocols approved by the Flathead City-County Health Board on Nov. 20.

Arctic front on track for the weekend

The National Weather Service in Missoula forecasts snowfall in Northwest Montana this weekend, especially over mountain passes, and the potential for periods of blowing snow and gusty winds. Temperatures are expected to plummet from the 40s and 50s to the teens and single digits by Sunday.

Supports censure of Sen. Tutvedt

During the 2013 Montana legislative session, a Flathead County Republican state senator, Bruce Tutvedt, led a small but significant number of like-minded Republican legislators over to Gov. Steve Bullock and his big-spending Democrats. By so doing, Sen. Tutvedt and his liberal fence-jumpers robbed the Montana electorate of the “Republican” legislative majority they voted for.

Taking steps to protect Flathead Lake

The Flathead Lakers are encouraged by two ongoing planning efforts that we hope will lead to better protection for clean water in Flathead Lake and its watershed.

About recycling: There is no Plan B

The opening sentence in Amy Korst’s book “The Zero Waste Lifestyle” states, “Everybody has a trash can.” Yes, everybody has a trash can, but more importantly, how many have a recycle bin?

Body found in lake but two are still missing

Two of the three foreigner visitors who went missing at a lake near Cut Bank had not been found, but the body of one was recovered Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Snowmobiler dies in Cooke City area avalanche

Park County Undersheriff Scott Hamilton reported a snowmobiler from North Dakota died in an avalanche near Cooke City on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Class A schools realigned, new regs will protect athletes

The Montana High School Association executive board on Nov. 23 approved a number of changes to high school sports conferences and regulations intended to further protect athletes.

Bigfork leader anticipates next chapter in Legislature

Bob Keenan has been down this road before.

Masonic Lodge encourages reading

The Bigfork Masonic Lodge is pleased to announce the re-introduction of its reading incentive program for Bigfork Elementary School, Lakeside Elementary School, and Swan River School. 

21st annual production of the Nutcracker in Bigfork

The Northwest Ballet Company will present its 21st annual production of The Nutcracker Thanksgiving week in Bigfork.

New survey needed for trash site

The purchase of land for a new greenbox trash site in Bigfork has been delayed.

Thorsen wins Peoples Choice award for sculpture

Local artist Eric Thorsen recently received a People’s Choice award from the 2014 City Art Walking Sculpture Tour in Mankato, Minn., for his sculpture of green sea turtles. 

Fathers pass on hunting camp tradition to their young sons

What’s in a name?

Bigfork students take lead in tech education

Hans Bodenhamer has a vision for the future. 

Micah Hunter debuts as chorale director

The Glacier Chorale and Chamber Singers present “Voices in Autumn” Saturday and Sunday in Whitefish and Kalispell. 

State reduces log harvest near Jewel

The state will proceed with a proposed timber sale near the Jewel Basin, but the size of the sale has been cut by more than half.

MFWP should defend wildlife from people

After the November 6, 2014 candidate forum to select a new supervisor for Region 1 at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Kalispell, it is apparent that nothing will change with a new supervisor.

Snow plowing tips and laws

The City of Columbia Falls has provided the following tips and facts to help city residents with the snow removal process:

Rexford woman convicted of fraud

U.S. Attorney for Montana Michael Cotter announced Nov. 26 that a respiratory therapist from Rexford has been sentenced to 12 months and one day for defrauding Medicaid of more than $1.4 million and filing tax returns that failed to report her correct income, resulting in a tax loss of more than $200,000.

The President's remarks on turkey pardoning

The following remarks at pardoning of the national turkeys were made by President Barack Obama on Nov. 26, 2014.

Coming soon, backyard rental units

A new Flathead County proposal to allow backyard rental units, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as the county calls them, in many zones throughout the county is not the answer to the county’s affordable housing needs.

Troubled by hate ordinance supporters

I recently read the Whitefish Pilot story “Whitefish rallies for ‘no hate’ ordinance.” Led by a group known as Love Lives Here, hundreds packed into Whitefish’s small town city council chambers demanding our local government pass an ordinance prohibiting Richard Spencer and the National Policy Institute he represents from doing business or having offices in Whitefish.

Grandstanding politics at its worst

I recently read about the Whitefish City Council’s hearing of a proposal about writing an ordinance that would make Whitefish a “no-hate” community by creating “a caring, open, accepting and diverse community free from discrimination and dedicated to the equal treatment of all citizens,” one proponent was quoted as saying.

Swim team hits the water, at last

Speakers take first at Whitefish

Wildcat football by the numbers

Academic all-state athletes named

Botanist extols virtues of wilderness flowers

Land Trust grant to restore C-Falls wetlands

Future of Canyon bike path looking brighter

Park visitation numbers reflect America's history

Glacier National Park's new chief ranger announced

Public meeting scheduled on CFAC cleanup

Pollution model for Flathead Basin completed

Night of Lights, Brunch with Santa coming up next week

After-school program lets kids be kids

Spider bite leaves man without a leg

Wild turkeys call Council Bluffs home

Senior thanks

The North Valley Senior Center would like to thank all those who helped and contributed to the Thanksgiving Day Basket.

Williams named FWP Region 1 supervisor

Grizzly bear shot up the North Fork

Gretchen Marty

Gretchen Jacobs Marty, 89, closed her eyes to this chapter in her book of life and slipped peacefully into her new adventure on Nov. 7, 2014, following her husband of 55 years, Louie Marty, who also passed on November seventh 18 years ago.

FVCC presents “Cowboy Christmas”

Flathead Valley Community College Theatre will present the world-premiere of the musical comedy “Cowboy Christmas” in FVCC’s Arts and Technology Building on Dec. 4-6 and 11-13.  Performances start at 7 p.m.

President Obama talks about Ferguson

The following remarks about the grand jury decision on the shooting case in Ferguson, Mo., were made by President Barack Obama in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room on Nov. 24, 2014.

Deer harvest slightly ahead of last year

The deer harvest in Northwest Montana is slightly ahead of last year at the same point in the season, according to check station results around Region 1.

Electrical co-ops want affordable renewable energy

Recently, eight people served by electric cooperatives in Montana issued a joint letter — published online by this newspaper — urging electric cooperatives’ support for actions by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce carbon emissions. Among these eight individuals was the former chairman of the Northern Plains Resource Council, a fairly aggressive Montana environmental organization.

Michael Somers

Michael Kenneth Somers passed away Nov. 22, 2014, at the age of 67.

Montana's Thanksgiving bounty

This Thanksgiving as you’re gathered around the table about to give thanks for good health, for loving friends and family members and for our soldiers overseas, consider adding another blessing — for living in a state so rich in wildlife.

Community news

Board opening

Outdoor news

Federal lands transfer

Raymond Keibler

Raymond C. Keibler, 82, passed away Nov. 20, 2014, at hunting camp in Lima with family by his side.

Media groups sue over House GOP meeting

More than 20 media groups, including the Associated Press, Daily Inter Lake and Bigfork Eagle, have filed a motion in the First Judicial District Court in Helena asking that the state House Republican Caucus be held in contempt for holding an unpublicized meeting in apparent violation of state open-meetings law.

Polebridge murderer up for parole on Tuesday

The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole will hold a parole hearing for the Oklahoma man who tortured and then murdered a North Fork man in 1979 at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 9 a.m.

Robert Cotner

Dr. Robert B. “Bob” Cotner, 84, of Kalispell, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Nov, 19, 2014.

Bigfork Elves 2014

Lori Luce

Lori Luce, 75, passed away Nov. 21, 2014, at her home north of Columbia Falls after battling congestive heart failure, COPD and diabetes for many years. She will be dearly missed by her family, relatives and many friends. “Her troubles are gone now as she has joined God in Heaven.”

911 dispatch ballot measure fails on recount

The number of ballots in favor of creating a countywide special district to fund the Flathead County 911 dispatch system increased by six during a recount on Nov. 21, but the number of ballots opposed to the measure increased by five.

Snowy mountain passes forecasted this weekend

The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting heavy mountain pass snow Friday night, Nov. 21, and Saturday, with windy conditions and more heavy mountain pass snow on Sunday.

Tester wants names of major campaign donors made public

Sen. Jon Tester introduced legislation on Nov. 18 aimed at revealing the names of major donors who fund secret organizations that try to influence American voters.

Bigfork's 2014 season ends after a tough semifinal battle

After winning nine straight games where they scored over 40 points, five of which were shutouts, the Bigfork High School football team finally met an opponent they couldn’t topple.

Students excel in speech and drama

Bigfork High School’s Speech, Debate and Drama team walked away from the Ronan Invitational on Saturday as champions.

Festival of Trees lights up Bigfork Museum

Christmas is here at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History.

Looking Back: Thanksgiving dinner spent with Shari and Bunny

Top of the food chain

The whitetails sure don’t whistle like they used to anymore, not since the wolf snuck in the back door. The few that are left have learned to keep their little traps shut.

Park fees and priorities

Glacier National Park’s planned fee increase is estimated to bring in $500,000.

Obama addresses the nation on immigration

The following remarks about immigration were made by President Barack Obama on Nov. 20.

Big thanks

The Gateway to Glacier Trail organization wants to thank everyone involved with our Homemade Harvest Feast gathering held Nov. 14.

North Fork protection

Plans are in play to pass the North Fork Watershed Protection Act in the lame-duck Congress. The proposed act may receive full deliberation in the Senate, not just unanimous consent to pass without floor consideration, as was attempted and which failed earlier this year.

State ban on same sex marriage overturned

A federal judge in Great Falls overturned Montana’s constitutional amendment banning marriage equality on Nov. 19, and several same sex couples were legally married in Missoula and Kalispell.

Flathead Republicans censure Tutvedt

Claims he took CSKT money to support water compact

Polebridge artist gets 10 years

Fort Missoula POW camp during World War II

When full-scale war erupted in Europe in September 1939, as Hitler’s troops marched into Poland, merchant seamen docked in U.S. ports found themselves stranded. Great Britain refused to grant safe passage home to the crews of German and Italian ships because it did not want the ships or their crews to be used in the war against them.

FWP clears hunter in griz shooting

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials have completed their investigation of a reported self-defense shooting of a male grizzly bear in the Lower Thompson River area on Oct. 26.

Montana would love a head start

Serving on interim committees is a lot of work but also solves many problems during the off year, saving time during the regular session.

Public meeting on CFAC scheduled

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will host a public meeting on Thursday, Dec. 11, on the current status and next steps in addressing contamination at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company smelter.

Retired general talks at Swan River School of how hard work and commitment pay off

Colleen McGuire doesn’t fit the vision that comes to most people’s minds when they hear the word veteran. 

Bigfork Flooring offers experience and quality products

After 25 years of laying flooring, Mike Broughton has opened his own flooring store, Bigfork Flooring.

Harvest figures lowest in five years

As any auto body shop can attest, there are plenty of deer out there.

Fall fishing great on Flathead Lake

What a great time of year it is for hunting and fishing.  

Bigfork men share special bond over common interests

It was fate or perhaps an act of God that brought Peter Drowne and Daniel Banegas together.

New thrift store in Bigfork keeps prices low

Bigfork finally has a thrift store.

North shore landowner applies to build wave-reduction pond

The owners of a property on Flathead Lake in Bigfork have applied to Flathead County for a permit to build a “wave attenuation pond” at 440 Holt Drive.

In the old days Bigfork phone operators connected everyone

State infrastructure gets bad grades

According to a Nov. 18 report by the Montana chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the state’s schools, wastewater treatment facilities and other infrastructure are in disrepair and in need of investment.

Bullock's budget provides for education and Medicaid

Gov. Steve Bullock presented a first look at his proposed 2016-2017 budget on Nov. 17. The budget calls for increasing general fund spending by 5.6 percent in FY 2016 and 2.8 percent in FY 2017.

Babcock and Friar swim well at Missoula invite

Speakers take first at Hamilton Invitational

Wildkats named all-state in soccer

Study counts Park's wolverines

Study paints bleak picture for area's birds

Filmmaker looks to complete documentary

Park seeks comments on proposed fee increases

Glacier National Park is seeking public comment on a proposal to increase entrance fees for the first time in nine years, implement a motorized boat launch fee, and increase the camping fee at Many Glacier Campground.

Park Conservancy announces grants

Governor promotes Montana wood products

Vets Home baker guilty of fraud

North Forker leads skeptics group

Decision on accessory dwellings tabled

The Flathead County commissioners on Nov. 17 tabled a proposal to allow accessory dwelling units in most zoning districts after several people called for further study.

No dogs in the Bob

New Lolo National Forest Supervisor Tim Garcia and his so-called Lolo Forest Leadership Team are prohibiting smokejumper trail crews from bringing a well-trained retriever on trail projects in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

On timber lawsuits

I would like to comment on U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy’s latest move siding with his environmental and lawyer buddies. Now, because of his latest move and many prior rulings he’s made, more people will be deprived of their incomes, Plum Creek being the latest.

Charge reduced for man's fifth DUI

C-Falls man beats two with baseball bat

Deer and elk harvest similar to last year

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say the deer harvest in Northwest Montana this year is about the same as last year at the same point in the season.

On public preschool

Wow, I recently read that Gov. Steve Bullock and a large group of constituents are pondering the idea of state government run preschool to the tune of $37 million.

Libertarian explains his HD3 candidacy

In 2014, I decided to enter the political contest to represent Montana House District 3. Mostly I wanted to write about the broken American political process and suggest ways to fix it. Some problems have only a political solution. I’ve spent a lifetime studying politics, tried it once before as a young man and thought I’d try it one more time, as an old man.

Half Moon earthquake measures 3.9 magnitude

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake centered on the Half Moon area rattled homes and businesses in Northwest Montana around midnight on Friday, Nov. 14.

Mary Lou Ellman

May Lou Ellman, 79, died at North Valley Hospital on Nov. 8, 2014.

The most important election in U.S. history

Political candidates usually passionately proclaim that the election in which they are running is “the most critical in a generation” or the “the most important in modern history.” Despite the hype, elections, including the one that just occurred, are rarely noteworthy events or turning points in history.

Lawyer questions GOP caucus meeting

A Helena attorney who specializes in freedom-of-information cases said there’s no question a recent after-hours meeting by Republican members of the Montana House away from the Capitol building violated Montana’s open meeting laws.

C-Falls man sentenced for assault and meth

A 32-year-old Columbia Falls man was sentenced on Oct. 31 to 10 years, with half suspended, after he was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend and possessing methamphetamine in April.

Deferred sentence for bad checks, bail-jumping

A 35-year-old Kalispell woman received a nine-year deferred net sentence for writing 18 bad checks at the Los Caporales restaurant in Kalispell and for bail-jumping.

Meth house mother gets deferred sentence

A 35-year-old Columbia Falls woman received a three-year deferred sentence after she and her two teenage daughters were found living in a Columbia Heights home with a meth lab in May 2013.

'Nutcracker' performances for Thanksgiving weekend

The Northwest Ballet Company will perform their 21st annual production of “The Nutcracker” with five performances over Thanksgiving weekend at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

Protecting our future by preserving our past

Last year, 11 million visitors came to Montana. While the reasons they chose Big Sky Country as their vacation destination are as varied as our landscape, it’s safe to say some of them were drawn by the gold rush history of Bannack and Virginia City, and the lore of Montana’s Vigilantes, who sprang from a boom-town frontier environment that lacked a justice system.

Bigfork shuts out Malta in quarterfinal playoff game

Bigfork High School shut out Malta 41-0 in the quarterfinals of the Class B football playoffs on Saturday.

Valkyries go out fighting to end volleyball season

Bigfork High School ended its 2014 volleyball season Friday after three hard fought matches at the divisional tournament in Ronan.

A Christmas Story is coming to Bigfork

Calling all actors – young or not young. 

Regier elected House Majority Leader

Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, has been elected House Majority Leader in the Montana Legislature.

Harold Volkman

Harold H. Volkman, 86, of Somers, died Nov. 2, 2014.

Feds predict under $3 gas next year

The U.S. Energy Department announced Nov. 12 that the average price of gasoline will be under $3 a gallon in 2015, saving U.S. consumers about $61 billion compared to this year.

Town Pump's $3 million food bank fundraising goal

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation has set a goal to raise more than $3 million in its 13th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana, including the Columbia Falls Food Bank.

Food for the Poor made successful by generosity

Bethany Lutheran’s Food For The Poor house project in Honduras is a wonderful story of churches and community coming together for a great cause.

Texaco station was a beacon in the night

Hunter kills grizzly in self defense near Thompson River

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says a man shot a grizzly in self defense Oct. 26 in the Thompson River drainage.

Athletic Club pitches in for the holidays

The Bigfork Food Pantry needs turkeys.

Water compact debate brings out true colors

The debate over the Federal Reserved Water rights for the CSKT reservation has brought out the true character of individuals and groups involved.  The historic purpose of the reservation is established fact:  Provision of a home for Indians which had merit at the time, and of course required inclusion of water essential to life.  However, the current over-reach of state and federal governments in the proposed compact extends far beyond reservation boundaries to the extent of management and control of all Montana waters west of the Continental Divide.

Agnes Woldtvedt

Agnes Sveum Woldtvedt, 92, passed away peacefully at the Glacier Care Center in Cut Bank on Nov. 11, 2014.

Republicans maintain hold on both state houses

Republicans kept their majorities in the Montana Legislature this midterm election, with a 29-21 margin in the Senate and 59-41 in the House.

Zinke begins organizing staff offices

The start of the 114th U.S. Congress is two months away, but Representative-elect Ryan Zinke, R-Whitefish, is anxious to get started.

Recount likely for 911 ballot measure

The Flathead County emergency services ballot measure came within 11 votes of passing after provisional ballots were tallied on Nov. 10. The Flathead County commissioners will decide whether to move forward with a recount.

Whitetail harvest remains steady

A total of 8,095 hunters checked 428 white-tailed deer, including 342 bucks, 74 mule deer and 28 elk at the six Northwest Montana check stations through Sunday, Nov. 9, for a 6.5 percent rate of hunters with game.

Co-ops should embrace new carbon reduction rules

We are members of Montana’s rural electric co-ops. We live in rural areas of Montana and feel first-hand the impacts of climate change, from decreased stream flows, earlier snowmelt, drought and increasing soil aridity to extreme heat, hail, severe wildfires and sudden flooding events. Our lands, crops, communities, lifestyles and economies are being affected.

Big thanks

We would like to thank the Columbia Falls Realtors and all those who helped them put out and pick up bags for the Columbia Falls Realty drive.

Jimmy Jean Probert

Jimmy Jean Probert, 69, died peacefully at his home on Oct. 9, 2014. He will be missed by his family and friends.

Spikers win Class A Northwest divisional

Summers looks to shine on the ice for Wolverines

Speakers take third in Bozeman

Jewel Basin sale trimmed down

Smalley goes after spawning salmon in B.C.

Xanterra moves into new C-Falls offices

Glencore, DEQ in talks over CFAC remediation

Perry credits Conger for House District 3 victory

A planner and an organizer

Whitefish chef starts restaurant here

Outdoor news

Grizzly shooting

Community news

Work party

Yea, Oregon

Thank you for your new pot laws. Marijuana was legal once in the USA, back in the early 1900s. Our country’s leaders, in their wisdom, decided to outlaw its use back then. They concluded that all it did was put a second set of winos in the city parks — the alcoholic winos and the pot winos. They saw no socially redeeming reasons to have it.

What makes a strong lobbyist

Because of its power to influence public affairs, the press has long been known as “the Fourth Estate.” But I think the media may have been displaced. These days, it’s lobbyists who seem to carry the most clout in Washington.

Vilifying, suing Montana ranchers no way to improve access

A report published by Montana Wildlife Federation and its affiliate, Public Land and Water Access Association says, “Respect for private property is essential to Montana’s outdoor way of life.”

Jury trials: Fundamental to a free society

My mailman asked the other day: “How does someone get selected for jury duty?” and added, “I understand some people do not register to vote because they do not want to serve as jurors.”

Election 2014: The good news and bad

The 2014 midterm election delivered both good news and bad. The good news is that the losers lost. The bad news is that the winners won.

Oystein Boveng

Oystein Mathias Boveng, 81, of Kalispell, died Nov. 7, 2014, with his wife and children at his side.

Remington Taylor and Jameson Taylor

Remington William Taylor and Jameson Michael Taylor passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Nov. 1, 2014.

Lynn Stocking

Lynn Christine Stocking, 62, died Nov. 5, 2014, at home from complications of pneumonia associated with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by family.

June Barnes

June Helen Barnes, 87, died at Expressions in Columbia Falls on Nov. 9, 2014.

Fatal accident on Highway 40

A 16-year-old Whitefish girl died in a vehicle accident Monday. 

C-Falls man allegedly breaks police chief's nose

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial was left with a pair of black eyes and a broken nose after he was allegedly assaulted by a Columbia Falls man on Halloween night.

Arctic blast expected Sunday night

The weather will take a decided turn toward winter beginning Sunday night, the National Weather Service is warning. Temperatures are expected to slide below zero to the single digits with snow and blowing snow as two waves of arctic air are expected to spill over the Continental Divide.

Bigfork squashes Deer Lodge, moves on to playoff quarterfinals

Bigfork High School football kept their trend of coming out fast Saturday, and secured their spot in the state playoff quarterfinals, beating Deer Lodge 44-7.

Children's theatre brings classic board game to life

Clue, the board game, will come to life Friday night at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

Valkyries look to come from behind at divisionals

Bigfork volleyball struggled on Saturday at the district meet, losing both matches.

Community is key to helping teens living on their own in Bigfork

Marcia Bumke has been disappointed at times, but she’s pushed on.

County looks at two-way Ferndale bridge

Lake County commissioners will have a public meeting Nov. 5 regarding the opening of south Ferndale bridge to two-way traffic. 

Fire safety important for wood burners

As the weather cools and residents stoke their fireplaces and turn on their heating elements, it’s important they keep in mind the risk of structure fires caused by home heating.

Lake County boards have openings

Lake County seeks volunteers to serve on the following boards: Lake County Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Commission.  Appointments begin Jan. 1, 2015.  

CrossRoads Christian Fellowship return from mission trip to Rwanda

Last Wednesday at 1 a.m. after 39 hours of travel, 19 people returned to Bigfork from a two-week mission trip to Africa. 

Courses help seniors stay safe on the road

Her husband has dementia.

Looking Back: Halloween was a special time for mom and daughter

I think Mom loved Hallowe’en even more than I did. 

The Second Amendment and the right to vote

There is a Legislative Referendum, LR 126, on this year’s ballot which is intended to restrict the time that citizens who are eligible to vote may register to vote. 

Can you afford to buy a politician?

While 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of Montana women’s right to vote, few Montanans can compete with $10,000 to $425,000 campaign donations.

On youth sports and discipline

Opinions often state, in one way or another, that public funding of competitive sports at any or all levels of schooling is frivolous, unnecessary, unwise or a waste of tax dollars, and on and on. The opposite position also comes up on a frequent basis. Which is correct?

Doris Mattheisen

Doris Jean Mattheisen, 89, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 2, 2014.

Speakers take second at Flathead Invite

Cats fall short against Broncs in playoffs

Kats fall to Laurel, 2-1 in championship

Kats drop Dogs, go undefeated in conference

Reservoir rental cabin proposed

Plum Creek announces major timberland sale

Nicosia: Now is perfect time for TIF district

Man sent to prison for sex with girl

Bookstore bear stolen off roof

Shop class is more than hammer and nails

Global travelers aim to do some good

Perry squeaks out win amidst Democratic 'bloodbath'

In what is being called a “bloodbath” for Democrats across the nation, Montana’s two statewide races went to the Republicans. The results were not unexpected in Montana, but the large margin of victory by Republicans in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House races was a bit of a surprise.

Wildfires create signature Montana forests

Life gets busy for everyone. We all dream about getting away from it all for an hour, a day or perhaps even a week. My favorite is to go for a hike through one of Montana’s lodgepole pine-covered mountainsides and stretch out under the trees on a bed of pinegrass and dwarf huckleberry, also known as grouse whortleberry, and listening to the wind gently whisper its secrets through the tree crowns and needles.  

New state parks fee rule adopted

The Montana State Parks and Recreation Board on Oct. 15 adopted the 2014 Biennial Fee Rule, an assemblage of user fees and associated rules for the Montana State Park system.

Judy Sizemore

Judy Mae Sizemore, 64, passed away Nov. 2, 2014, at her Columbia Falls residence.

Separate economy and the state

For centuries, governments established, controlled, regulated and subsidized religious activity. Then some people began asking a revolutionary question: Why not separate religious activity and the state in such a way that the state would be barred from involving itself in any religious activity whatsoever?

GOP complaint over mailers dismissed

A campaign mailer that in some ways resembled one recently sent to Montana voters by political science researchers at Stanford University and Dartmouth College was not illegal, Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl ruled Oct. 31.

Community news

Chamber meets

Outdoor news

Elk waste

Investigation into Thompson River griz shooting completed

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials have completed their investigation of a reported self-defense shooting of a male grizzly bear in the Lower Thompson River area on Oct. 26.

Whitetail harvest remains strong

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials report that according to numbers from the six Northwest Montana check stations, the whitetail harvest continues to be strong.

Charles Hanson

Charles A. Hanson, 70, passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones, on Oct. 30, 2014.

Carolyn Slack

Carolyn June Slack, 71, passed away at her home in Columbia Falls on Oct. 13, 2014.

How to safely pass a bicyclist

Like most states, Montana has what’s called a Safe Passing Law aimed at motorists who approach a bicyclist from behind and have to pass. Regrettably, the law is vague and not understood by many drivers.

Shirley Ann Stubbs

Shirley Ann Stubbs, 81, died Oct. 28, 2014, while surrounded by her family and friends.