Ellington

Amphibians in the spring

Among the many harbingers of spring are frogs peeping. On the prairie, the boreal frog sings its loudest now.

Glencore hires Calbag for CFAC demolition

The following press release was sent by Columbia Falls Aluminum Company spokesman Haley Beaudry about future cleanup work at Glencore’s closed smelter site.

Three Blue Bay residents hospitalized after shooting

Three Blue Bay residents were hospitalized after allegedly being shot at their home last Friday.

Two grizzly bears captured and moved

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Wildlife Services on April 2 investigated a report of a newborn calf that had been killed near Mud Lake, northeast of Bigfork. 

Woods Bay woman loves her job with A.L.E.R.T

Linda Chambers  has been a nurse for 14 years, 11 of which she’s been a flight nurse for A.L.E.R.T.

Doubles teams lead Bigfork High School tennis

Bigfork High School’s tennis double teams got on a roll this week, winning the majority of their matches.

Bigfork athletes shine at Whitefish track meet

Bigfork High School track and field had a busy week.

Vikings place in top 10

Bigfork High School golfers continued to finish in the top 10 last week.

Cottage food bill passes legislature

My grandma made amazing cookies. They weren’t just the best on the Hi-Line. They were the best in Montana. I’m sure those are fighting words to anyone lucky enough to grow up with doting grandparents. However, if she were still here to bake them today, I could prove it thanks to a new law. As of Oc. 1, 2015, my grandma could have sold her baked goods to the public.

Obama presents National Teacher of the Year award

The following remarks about the National Teacher of the Year award were made by President Barack Obama in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 29, 2015.

Kats do well at Whitefish ARM

Kats go 4-0 at Frenchtown

Kats drop Libby in tennis

Twins start strong, go 3-1

Outlaws win Fury Tourney

Powder Puff volleyball fundraiser

A Powder Puff volleyball game between the junior boys and senior boys will be held in the Columbia Falls High School gym on Wednesday, May 6, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Aerial adventure park opening in Coram

Park visitors spent $432.1 million last year

Hall takes superintendent post in Virginia

Meth lab felon sent back to prison

18 Superfund sites located in the Flathead

CFAC offers to test wells

Devlin-Young continues to burn up the slopes

Hockaday showcases Glacier's women artists

Hill heir helps fund Many Glacier Hotel project

Money and politics: We need change now

I’ve seen a lot over my decades in politics, and not much alarms me. But I have to be blunt: Money is poisoning our political system.

Library meeting

I attended the Columbia Falls Library Association (CFLA) meeting on March 24th as a visitor and was appalled at the behavior of a group of people who were admittedly invited by the president of ImagineIf Foundation to attend the meeting.

Federal timber funding restored for counties

Bad check writer gets 15 years

End the epidemic of campus sexual violence

Campus sexual violence has been the subject of an intense national conversation recently, but that dialogue often lacks critical input from schools that are already taking steps to improve their campus climates. Colleges and universities, it’s time for you to lead on this issue.

Outdoor news

Wilderness talk

Community news

School musical

Striving to please the governor

With the state’s two-year budget agreement on the governor’s desk and the state Capitol building returning to its usual quite self, the 64th Legislature has come to a close. Although the Legislature’s work is complete, the final days of the session were certainly no walk in the park, with budget and infrastructure negotiations that had been weeks in the making falling apart at the last minute. This should serve as lesson to future legislatures of how not to do the people’s business.

Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness for adventure

Butte and Anaconda folks consider this wilderness mountain range and the surrounding forestlands straddling the Great Divide to be their own. They hunt, fish, hike, climb, horsepack and enjoy the numerous roads and trails that reach the area.

The underground raw milk railroad

I used to read a book about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad to my fifth graders. It was a strange concept for them at the beginning of the book since kids think of a railroad as a set of tracks with a train running on the metal rails.

Debbie Green

Debbie Ann Green, 63, passed away April 22, 2015, at her home in Columbia Falls, surrounded by her family.

Top library

Congratulations to the ImagineIF Libraries staff, director and board for receiving the Montana Library Association’s 2015 Library of the Year Award. It was well deserved. Our libraries continue to play a significant role in creating vibrant communities in Flathead County thanks to our dedicated library staff and volunteers.

Fundraiser thanks

As I near the end of my fundraising endeavors for my upcoming trip this June to the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Dallas, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the generous individuals, businesses and organizations that made contributions.

Hunting and fishing fees to increase

A bill to raise the price of hunting and fishing fees to support the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Park’s budget has passed both houses of the Montana Legislature.

Glacier Park news

Park volunteers

Phosphoric acid spilled in truck wreck

A semi-trailer truck carrying phosphoric acid flipped on its side on Highway 35 along the east shore of Flathead Lake on April 23. About 125 gallons of the acid spilled in the incident.

Four earthquakes reported near Sandpoint, Idaho

U.S. Geological Survey geologists say four earthquakes centering in Idaho were recorded from 8:32 p.m. on April 23 into the morning of April 24.

Park snowplows near Triple Arches

Glacier National Park officials reported April 23 that snowplow crews on the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road have cleared snow around Big Bend and reached Riprap Point below Triple Arches.

Raymond Russell

Raymond LeRoy Russell, 72, of Watertown, S.D., died, April 19, 2015, in Sioux Falls, S.D., surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Van Kirke Nelson

Dr. Van Kirke Nelson, 83, passed away at home on April 18, 2015, surrounded by his family.

Efforts to combat sexual assault make up next chapter

This week, Missoula residents are reading about our community in Jon Krakauer’s book, “Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town.” Around the nation, many others are learning about Missoula for the first time as the book hits the shelves and is covered in the news.

Glacier and Yellowstone visitors spent $432.1 million last year

According to a recent National Park Service report, the 4.5 million visitors to national parks in Montana last year spent $432.1 million in Montana.

CSKT water compact not a done deal

Congressional ratification and lawsuits loom

Property taxes, raw milk and campaign regulations

Bills that would shorten the property tax reappraisal cycle and revise campaign finance laws were passed by the Montana Legislature, but a bill to allow the sale of raw milk failed to get out of the Senate and a resolution to confirm the appointment of a new political practices commissioner died in the Senate.

On passage of the water compact

In many ways the passage of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact by the Montana Legislature is proof of the effectiveness of our legislative process.

Park board suggests closure of Swan River access

Access to the Swan River from Rainbow Drive in Ferndale could close for two years.

Swan River bike path moves forward

After six years, it looks as if two stretches of bike path along Swan River Road will finally be connected.

Valkyries sweep relays at Seeley-Swan Invite

The Bigfork girls finished second and the boys fourth at the Seeley-Swan Invitational at Missoula County Stadium on Saturday.

Valkyries beat Loyola, Vikes host flight tournament

Bigfork hosted Libby, Mission and Troy at their Flight Tournament on Saturday. Because numerous players were gone at other activities and players were switching from singles to double the tournament wasn’t officially scored, and the tournament was considered and exhibition.

Potkonjak, Emslie and Stodghill lead Vikes

The Bigfork boys golf team placed third in Ronan last Tuesday and sixth in Plains on Saturday.

Bigfork woman pleads not guilty to theft

A 29-year-old Bigfork woman has denied in court that she stole thousands of dollars from a customer while working for a tax preparation company.

Dockstader Island unique to Bigfork

Poised delicately between the mouth of the Swan River and the delta of the Flathead River where it empties into Flathead Lake is an island of particular importance to the community of Bigfork. 

Eagle headline misleading

The Opinion article in the Apr. 8th Eagle was a Democrat smear.  The Eagle’s headlines “State Republicans are selling off Public Lands” was intentionally vague, misleading and outrageous.  I blame the Eagle for that.  The content by Matt McGovern was more of the same – intentionally misleading readers.  SB2l5 pertains to FEDERAL public lands becoming  Montana public lands  - just like a majority of the states have done..

Medicaid expansion took statewide effort

Montanans love to talk about how special our state is. For those from some place other than Montana, you may think that we mean our beautiful mountains, the vast golden prairies, and incredible blue sky that never seems to end. And you would be right — we do mean that. But what really makes Montana special is the people.

Kats win Iceberg Invite

Kats split the bill last week

Getts' tennis streak continues

Swim team to return next year

Triplett bucked off in Billings

C-Falls academic all-state athletes

Stoltze conservation plan to be presented next week

County health board wants more answers on CFAC site

Group sues to list rare aquatic insect in Glacier Park

2015 tourist spending sets new state record

Major U.S. 2 roadwork planned for next year

Schools, hospitals continue to negotiate

West Glacier students win poster contest

Volunteers fix Deer Park water system

C-Falls Habitat project completed

Local horsemen star in TV series

Gerald Goudreau

Gerald R. Goudreau, 69, died April 16, 2015, at the Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, Wash.

Happy Earth Day, Week, Year

This April 22nd is the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. Communities across Montana are taking this opportunity to celebrate with Earth Day events and even weeklong series of events.

Larry Penner

Larry Joel Penner, 27, died at his Coram residence on April 18, 2015, of natural causes.

On population, development and climate change

The policy gulf between the development and environmental communities might not at first seem obvious but occasionally our interests travel on different trajectories. The compelling need to provide energy to the estimated 1.2 billion people who do not have access to electricity crashes into the reality of the climate change consequences of providing that energy from coal and fossil fuels.

Young Republicans should stand up to big government expansion

You often hear Republicans talking about the downfalls of big government. The face of the Republican Party is changing, and as members of the “next generation,” we feel it’s vital to the state that we serve to explain why we must uphold this ideal, and why you should too.

Wrong grizzlies captured near Mud Lake

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported April 21 that bear managers trying to capture a grizzly suspected of killing two calves instead captured two other male bears.

Bear country: Stay calm and use bear spray

Maxine Ford

Maxine Marie Ford, 75, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 17, 2015.

Community news

Senior book sale

Outdoor news

Park volunteers

New law clarifies game tagging rule

A bill that clarifies when hunters must tag animals they successfully take in the state was signed by Gov. Steve Bullock on March 31.

Streamflow forecast good despite low snowpack

Flathead Forest offers 14 cabins for rent

Outdoor enthusiasts who want a comfortable base of operations while they explore Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the North Fork, the Swan Valley and other parts of the Flathead, the Flathead National Forest has 14 cabins available to rent on an overnight basis.

C-Falls man killed in ATV wreck

A 30-year-old Columbia Falls man was killed while riding an ATV on Sophie Lake Road near Eureka on Saturday, April 18.

DUIs, e-cigarettes, speed limits and human trafficking

Legislation to address DUIs, prevent minors from purchasing e-cigarettes, increase speed limits on interstate highways and strengthen state laws against human trafficking made progress last week in the Montana Legislature.

Federal lands task force bill moving through legislature

A bill calling for the creation of a federal lands task force was approved by the Senate Natural Resources Committee by 7-5 on April 15 despite opposition from conservation groups.

Library control

Kalispell ImagineIF Library wants to completely control the Columbia Falls Branch Library, and apparently the Columbia Falls library board of directors are allowing the lady from the Kalispell library to call all the shots and not question what she does.

Craig Becke

Craig Donald Becke, 54, passed away on April 10, 2015, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Vandals trash the Whitefish Trail

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that vandals used guns and a chainsaw to damage signs and other infrastructure along the Whitefish Trail earlier this month.

Elite youth baseball tryouts

Montana Elite Baseball, a nonprofit, youth sports organization, will hold tryouts for the Montana Elite Baseball 13-14 year-old team.

Triplett returns to PBR action in Billings

Columbia Falls professional bull rider Matt Triplett recently returned to Montana to compete at this weekend’s Stanley Performance in Action Invitational in Billings in the Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series.

On libraries

Libraries? At best, a collection of books and reading materials for study, research and entertainment. At worst, perhaps, social centers for gamers on computers.

Comparing 1986 Forest Plan with proposed revision

Having participated in the preparation and review of the original environmental impact statement and the Flathead National Forest Plan of 1986, I attended the March 17 open house to see what changes were proposed.

CSKT water compact bill passes legislature

The bill that ratifies the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact with the federal and state governments was passed in the Montana House on April 16 by 53-47. The bill has been transmitted to Gov. Steve Bullock for his signature.

North Fork man's foot burned in outbuilding fire

A North Fork man suffered burns to his foot after a fire destroyed an outbuilding at his home about 11 miles south of the Canada border on Thursday, April 16.

Two Medicine Campground could open soon

Glacier National Park officials say the road to Two Medicine and a loop of the Two Medicine Campground are expected to be open by mid-day on Saturday, April 18. Services will be limited.

Open house planned for Stoltze conservation plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold an open house in Columbia Falls to take preliminary public input on two proposed conservation easement projects on lands owned by the F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co.

The huge cost of the governor's 'free' health clinics

In Montana, the legislature is responsible for establishing the state programs to benefit the public, while the executive is charged with administering them. That structure has worked very well for decades and is referred to as the separation of powers. When the power of the purse is taken over by the executive, that’s when we start having problems.

State youth bowling tournament week 1

Results from week one of the Montana USBC Youth State tournament at Fireside Lanes in Billings, which runs on three weekends from April 11 to 26.

Fighting childhood hunger in Montana

Fight Childhood Hunger Week just wrapped up in Montana, and I want to acknowledge some remarkable students who organized some amazing projects to combat hunger in their cities and towns across our state.

Dark money, sex offenders and bullying

Bills to shine the light on dark money political groups, restrict where sex offenders can live and outlaw bullying in public schools are moving through the Montana Legislature.

Farmers and ranchers are tired of EPA doubletalk

Business owners around the country have joined with farmers and ranchers in speaking out on the “Waters of the U.S.” rule. More than 30 states also oppose the rule. Yet, even in the face of mounting opposition, the EPA still isn’t listening.

Legislature leaves school funding up in the air

School funding hangs in the balance as the Montana Senate works toward passing the state’s general fund budget.

Bigfork woman charged with felony theft

A Bigfork woman has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from a customer while working at a Kalispell tax preparation business.

Ranger station construction at Wayfarers moves forward

Improvements to Wayfarers State Park are moving forward. 

Sarah Johnson takes on job supporting library

Last month Montana Adventure Sports co-owner Sarah Johnson stepped into a new role. 

State Republicans are selling off public lands

The results of our poll from Friday are in.  Almost a thousand people voted and the “winner” of the worst bill of the session goes to…..

Youth shotgun team gears up for second season

The Bigfork Competitors, Scholastic Clay Targets Program team will have their first practice on Sunday.

Bigfork golf wins home tourney for first time

For the first time in Steve Hullett’s 31 years of coaching Bigfork High School golf, the boys won their own Invitational.

The inherent defectiveness of public schooling

The Feb. 15 Washington Post reported that an outgoing superintendent of public schools in Montgomery County, Md., Joshua P. Starr, is lamenting the short tenure of school superintendents. Starr took the job of school superintendent in 2011 and is now leaving because he failed to garner the support of the local school board.

UM online mag expands to include Yellowstone

The University of Montana recently published a new Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone e-magazine, which reveals essential work being done by UM and its partners in two of America’s most iconic landscapes.

Paving offers new options for mountain road

Blacktail Mountain’s staying power through all four seasons may be getting a significant boost over the next few years.

Dragon boat race officially moving to Lakeside

The Montana Dragon Boat Festival has officially been approved to move to Lakeside this fall. 

More than just co-workers, they're friends

Tester secures $250,000 for SmartLam

Flathead Lacrosse goes 2-1 on the week

Getts starts strong for Kats

Kats go 2-1 on the week

Kats start track season smoking

Timber trespasser sentenced

Glacier Park fee increase not likely this year

Negotiated solution to Kreck Trail discussed

Lawsuit filed in 2013 SWAT shooting

Small loans could make a big difference

Kelch featured in Teakettle quilt show Saturday

ALERT missions are challenging and unique

Council officially on board with Superfund listing

Forest Plan comment period extended 10 days

The Flathead National Forest has announced that the comment period for the proposed Forest Plan update and related grizzly management amendments will be open to public comment for an extra 10 days. The deadline for comments is now May 15.

Richard Brower

Richard Stephen Brower, 68, passed away April 9, 2015, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.

Planting trees, rebuilding communities and restoring hope

As the nation celebrates Arbor Day on April 24, let’s reflect on the value of trees and highlight the important ability of trees to restore hope, bring healing and lift spirits following natural disasters.

Roundup thanks

The Bad Rock Fire Department and Quick Response Unit would like to take this opportunity to give a hearty “thank you” to Flathead Electric Cooperative Inc. for an award we received from their Roundup For Safety program.

The ends do not justify the means on rules votes

Many on the left and in the media are praising Senate Bill 405 as a “bipartisan” health care solution. However, one thing is clear to the conservative legislators I serve with: SB 405 is an all-or-nothing expansion of Obamacare for Montana. There was no compromise in the drafting of this bill after it was rubber-stamped by the governor and the sponsor shot down all amendments in committee.

Recognizing Red Cross volunteers

During National Volunteer Week, April 12-18, the American Red Cross of Montana is honoring its volunteers and the work they do in communities across our state. We’re also encouraging Montanans to be part of our lifesaving mission by signing up to volunteer.

Governor signs bill to protect freedom of the press

A bill that updates Montana’s shield law to protect freedom of the press was signed by Gov. Steve Bullock on April 9.

Reader board thanks

Columbia Falls High School would like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their generous contributions towards the purchase and installation of the new LED reader board in front of the high school: CFHS Booster Club, Glacier Bank, CFHS Key Club, CFHS Student Council and CFHS Athletics.  

High school endowment fundraiser slated

C-Falls man killed in motorcycle crash

Junior High talent show winners

More than 25 students competed in the Columbia Falls Junior High School talent show on March 26, which featured everything from original songs to magic.

Equal pay for equal work

When Doris and Don Fisher opened their small retail store in 1969, they each put up $21,000 in savings and, without even discussing it, paid each other the same salary. That’s how equal partnerships work.

Park accepting art for annual pass contest

Glacier National Park and the Glacier National Park Conservancy are accepting art submissions from sixth through 12th grade students for the annual park pass artwork contest. The winning art will be displayed on the 2016 Glacier Park annual park pass.

Resort struggles to keep open to the end

There was a decidedly optimistic attitude among skiers who hit the slopes Sunday for closing day at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Outdoor news

Avalanche talk

Community news

Clean The Falls

School news

School election canceled

Montana should get its 5% share of federal land sales

As a result of Montana’s study of federal land management during the 2013-2014 interim, a wide variety of issues were reviewed. One small detail I noticed is the federal government is not paying their lawful share of proceeds to our state school fund each time Uncle Sam sells public land in Montana.

Craig Becke

Craig D. Becke, age 54, passed away unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident on Friday, April 10, 2015.

Earthquake rattles the Flathead

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that a quake registering 3.6 magnitude shook the Flathead Valley on Saturday, April 11,  at around 12:45 a.m.

Game definition bill fails on third House vote

A bill that would change the legal definitions for game animals and predatory animals failed to pass the House on a third reading April 11 by 47-49

Randle Slaten

Randle Mitchell Slaten, 70, of Columbia Falls, died April 8, 2015.

Believe it, spring is here

If you cannot live without ice fishing, well, you have my sympathies. If your world collapses absent skiing or snowmobiling, I’ll attend your pity party. That’s because spring is here, and the signs surround us.

Taxi owner faces fourth assault charge

The Whitefish man who founded the Ride Guy free taxi service in Whitefish is facing his fourth assault charge in 13 years.

Park plow crews already at Haystack Creek

Glacier National Park snowplow crews report they are just a few miles from Logan Pass, even though it’s only the first week in April.

Water rights in jeopardy without compact

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact is essential to the future of Montana’s water resources. As the last water compact to be ratified in the state of Montana, the CSKT compact will not only protect water right owners from controversial litigation, but will ensure that all Montanans have access to the water resources that they need.

Property tax bill draws supporters and opponents

A bill to revise state property reappraisal laws and shorten reappraisal cycles attracted a lot of interest during its April 8 hearing in the House Taxation Committee, with opposition from Realtors and the wood products industries.

Triplett to give knee one more week's rest

Columbia Falls professional bull rider Matt Triplett has decided to sit out the Professional Bull Riders event scheduled for April 11 in Nampa, Idaho.

Peter Venerdi Jr.

Peter E, Venerdi, 70, died on St. Patrick's Day March 17, 2015, after a two-year, hard fought battle with brain cancer, .

Remembering Tim Babcock

My mother handed me the telephone with an excited smile. The voice on the line said, “Hi, Bob, this is Tim Babcock.” That was 50 years and a few months ago. I was 16, and the governor had called to thank me for organizing a “Teenage Republican Club” at Flathead High School in Kalispell.  

Legislature gets it right on Habitat funding

During the past week, several editorials have been written about how terrible it is that the Montana Legislature cut spending authority for Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Groups like the Montana Wildlife Federation, Public Land/Water Access Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and several hunting groups are crying foul over the funding cut. They all claim that it’s sportsmen license dollars that have created all this wonderful wildlife in Montana, and without the funding critical habitat and access will vanish.

Water compact shouldn't be take it or leave it

Like many proposals that have been brought to the majority Republican legislature this session, the water compact between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the state of Montana is an all-or-nothing proposal filled with land mines.

More must be done to improve tribal economies

Montana is fortunate to be home to eight tribal nations that have played an important role in our state’s heritage and culture. When the framers drafted our state’s constitution, they recognized the importance of these sovereign nations. What they likely did not foresee was the important economic role they would play in our state today.

Guns, drones, Senate vacancies and charter schools

Two gun bills were vetoed by the governor, and a drone licensing bill failed in the House. Meanwhile, legislators looked at a bill on filling vacant U.S. Senate seats and a bill to create public charter schools.

Community discusses possibilities to improve high school

Last week the community continued discussions to help achieve a vision for the future of Bigfork High School.

Permit holder intervenes in county lawsuit

Holt Drive property owner Jolene Dugan filed a motion last week to intervene in a lawsuit against Flathead County over how a permit was awarded to build a bridge to Dockstader Island.

Bigfork man found guilty in deaths of three grizzly bears

A Bigfork man has been found guilty of illegally killing three grizzly bears.

New family restaurant features homemade southern food

Family and opportunity have brought southern comfort food to downtown Bigfork.

Montana Adventure Sports is moving to Kalispell

After three successful years in Bigfork Montana Adventure Sports is moving to Kalispell.

After 10 years Bigfork Dairy Queen changes hands

After 10 years and a serious facelift the Bigfork Dairy Queen has changed hands.

Support Thomson for co-op

I have known Muffie Thomson since I was a teacher at Bigfork High School beginning in the 1970s. She remains one of the most effective people I know.  Her organizational and people skills are remarkable.  Positive results happen when Muffie is involved.

Budget bill makes its way to Senate next week

This week HB 2, the budget bill, comes over from the House to the Senate Finance and Claims Committee. We get Friday through Monday off for an Easter break, then starting on Tuesday, April 7, HB 2 is on the Senate floor. Back door deals have been made and it will be interesting to see what happens.

One month left for burning

As we approach the month of April, I would like to remind all residents that there is open burning for one more month. Please call Air Quality 751-8144, before you burn. Be sure to have an adequate water supply and appropriate tools on hand when you burn.  Beginning May 1, 2015, a burn permit will be required for the months of May and June. From July 1 to Sept. 30, no burning will be allowed. Open burning will continue for the months of October and November. 

Playing Jake creates a real connection to Neil Simon's writing and character

A noted director once told me, “You’re a good writer, Dave, but you’re no Neil Simon.” 

Symphony Pops books national act

This year’s Summer Symphony Pops concerts promise to be the biggest picnic music event of the season. 

Tennis starts off season with four tournaments next week

Bigfork High School tennis opens their season on Monday with a packed week of tournaments.

Somers school district asks for levy for maintenance

Long standing deferred maintenance projects, safety upgrades and staffing needs have led the Somers School District to ask for a $185,000 levy.

Use of Lakeside for Dragon boat festival to be considered by County

The Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau’s request for a conditional-use permit to allow the temporary use of four properties in Lakeside for the Montana Dragon Board Festival will be considered Tuesday by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment.

Lakeside woman arrested for forgery

A Lakeside woman is back in jail after a third arrest on suspicion of spending someone else’s money.

Complaint filed over CSKT compact lobbying

Jayson Peters, the chairman of the Flathead County Republican Central Committee, has filed a complaint with Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl alleging that groups supporting the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact failed to disclose the full extent of their lobbying activities.

Dragon boats move to Lakeside

The fourth-annual Montana Dragon Boat Festival will take place in Lakeside on Sept. 12-13. The Flathead County Board of Adjustments approved the move from Bigfork during an April 7 hearing.

Post-season ski restrictions at Big Mountain

Flathead National Forest officials want skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers to be aware of post-season restrictions at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Lacrosse a growing sport in C-Falls

Pressure mounting to end Badger-Two Med leases

Volunteers needed for lookout work

Livestock losses by wolves show sharp decline

Park report: $178 million in deferred maintenance

Abortion clinic vandal pleads guilty in deal

Use of Equal Access to Justice Act defended

Zinke: 'Glencore should be held accountable'

Library groups tangle during local meeting

Marjorie Edley

Marjorie Jean Edley, age 76, passed away on Monday April 6, 2015, at her home in Columbia Falls.

School news

Preschool program

Charles Morrison

Charles Dennis Morrison, age 79, passed away on March 30, 2015.

Zinke wants Washington to move ahead on coal terminal

The following letter was sent by Rep. Ryan Zinke to Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee on April 6, 2015.

Phyllis Schroeder

Phyllis Irene Schroeder, 90, passed away April 1, 2015, in Whitefish due to complications with diabetes and infections.

Outdoor news

Park talk

Community news

Speech fundraiser

Medicine Lake: A stunning prairie oasis

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of northeast Montana’s most alluring gems. And early spring is a delightful time to explore it.

Evalyn Allison

Evalyn (Ebbe) Allison, 90, passed away on March 27, 2015.

Robin Broers

Robin Mary Broers, age 59, passed away March 29, 2015 in Kalispell.

Legislature looking at farmers market bills

Articles in the paper and various Facebook posts show the growing interest in farmers markets locally and across the state. Sellers have been preparing special potions and crafts during the long winter, while growers are planning their gardens to showcase seasonal fruits and vegetables for eventual buyers.

Cold, blustery Easter weekend forecasted

The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting a cold, snowy Easter Sunday, with conditions lasting through Monday.

Ask the judge

When I was speaking at a service club sometime ago, someone asked me, “As a judge, what is the one ‘wish’ you have about our judicial system”? Although the question was probably pointed at the workings of the judicial system itself (which have many things to improve on), I took it another way. The No. 1 thing I “wish” about our judicial system is that parents would work harder to stay together. We all know the sad tale of the statistics.

Sportsmen sound off about lost habitat money

Representatives from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Wild Sheep Foundation and Ducks Unlimited along with Montana hunters and anglers are urging the Montana Legislature to restore Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ spending authority for habitat acquisition.

A natural waterway across the Great Divide

Many visitors to Glacier National Park are familiar with Triple Divide Peak, on the Continental Divide west of the Cutbank Campground.

Suicide, experimental medicine and fetal personhood

Bills dealing with suicide prevention, assisted suicide, experimental medicine, fetal personhood and religious freedom came before the Montana Legislature recently.

Delores Mollberg

Delores Mollberg, 93, of West Glacier, passed away at her home March 25, 2015.

Bill prevents FWP from spending on habitat projects

Two bills involving the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks took unexpected directions in the Montana Legislature recently, including a bill that used license fees to pay for habitat and a bill that would allow younger hunters.

Bill affects right to know for all Montana citizens

Montana citizens assume that our state government supports the basic American goals of freedom, fairness and equal justice for all — the founding principles on which our nation and constitution were established. Yet many of our state leaders are overlooking a policy that denies Montana citizens a basic constitutional right.

Ruby deserves your vote

I would like to encourage you to support Alan Ruby for another term on the Flathead Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees.

Park plow crews encountering little snow

It was no April Fool’s joke as Glacier National Park snowplow crews hit the Going-to-the-Sun Road today, even though snow in the Park is sorely lacking.

Lawsuit against county hits first obstacle

A legal battle is underway against the bridge to Dockstader Island in Bigfork.

Tax value of Shelter Island upheld

Don Abbey will not get a reduction in taxes on his luxury island property on Flathead Lake.

Ed Buttrey sees Medicaid expansion as a riddle

Middle ground on Medicaid expansion eluded the Montana Legislature in 2013, and since then Sen. Ed Buttrey, R-Great Falls, has studied the issue, talked to hospitals and members of the other party and others to get to where he was last week: standing in front of the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee.

Bigfork students compete at state health care conference in Bozeman

For the first time Bigfork High School was represented at the Health Occupation Students of America Future Health Professionals State leadership conference.

Fishing season heats up on Flathead Lake with Spring Mack Days underway

Fishing guide Russ Hadley fought high winds and cold weather the last few days on Flathead.

Developers seek floodplain permits

Developers Roger Sortino and Jolene Dugan have requested three floodplain development permits from the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office.

Anglers reel in over 3,000 lake trout in derby opening days

Anglers in the 2015 Spring Mack Days fishing tournament turned in 3,774 lake trout in the first weekend of competition last Saturday and Sunday.

Bigfork Community Players prepare 'Jake's Women'

The Bigfork Community Players are in final rehearsals for Jake’s Women, the third Neil Simon comedy produced by the Players this season. 

Blasdel pushes bill to legalize firearm suppressors

Senate Bill 295: History and Why do we need it?

Thomson touts credentials for co-op trustee

On March 20, ballots were mailed to all Flathead Electric Co-Op members. This year there are 3 vacant Trustee positions on the ballot representing Districts 2, 3 and 5. All members of the Co-Op vote for each vacant position, regardless of where they reside.

All amendments to general fund budget defeated

The Montana House of Representatives spent two full days on the House Floor debating HB 2 (the general fund budget).  

Montana Spartan Sprint will be part of a five-part series on NBC Sports network

NBC Sports will videotape this year’s Spartan Sprint race near Bigfork and broadcast the footage as part of a five-part series on the race. 

Bigfork golf opens season with a fourth place in Missoula tourney

Bigfork High School golfers started out their season last week at the Loyola Invitational golf tournament in Missoula.

Bigfork runners excel in 1,600-meter relay

Bigfork High School senior Veronica Farrier doubled up with victories in the distance events in Eureka on Saturday, winning the 1,600 and 3,200.

Spring perch fishing excellent on Flathead Lake

The spring perch phenomenon on the far east side of Polson Bay is happening weeks earlier than normal. 

Hoop stars named all-state, conference

Fishel signs with U of Great Falls

Cats blanked by Dogs in tennis

Mattole makes telemark team

Kats open season with perfect record

Stakeholders weigh in on Forest Plan

Park opposes North Fork paving

C-Falls man charged with meth, theft, bailjumping

EPA officially proposes listing CFAC smelter

Plum Creek to invest $10 mil in local plants

Great Northern baggage cart tug restored

Chamber director set to retire

Ferndale man found guilty of killing grizzlies

A U.S. magistrate in Missoula on March 30 found a Ferndale man guilty of illegally killing three grizzly bears last year.

Columbia Falls falcon dies of bird flu

State officials confirmed March 30 that a captive gyrfalcon in Columbia Falls died from the H5N2 strain of “highly pathogenic” avian influenza.