Sunday, May 31
Hunters, anglers saw successes in the 2015 legislature
The last legislative session was a tough one on Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. There were plenty of bills introduced to cut back wildlife habitat programs, along with a multitude of bills to transfer our public lands to the state. Despite those challenges, the session ended well for our public wildlife and our hunting and fishing traditions.
David Aldrich
David L. Aldrich, 73, of Columbia Falls, died May 27, 2015.
Saturday, May 30
Citizen science continues in Glacier Park
Friday, May 29
Valkyries shatter state records on their way to second place state finish
The Bigfork girls had a chance for a team title entering the final race of the day, but had to settle for a state record at the Class B state track and field championships on Friday and Saturday at Legends Stadium.
Logan Pass closed to motor vehicles this weekend
The west side of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road will not open to motor vehicles past Avalanche Creek this weekend. Hikers and bicyclists will have the Sun Road all to themselves for a little longer.
Thursday, May 28
New rule not good for Montana
The White House just approved an Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers rule that could give the agencies vast new power over water. The impact of this will be felt by every farmer and rancher in Montana.
Congress says, 'War powers? What war powers?'
A few weeks ago, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, made a small splash in the press when he took Congress to task for failing to authorize our nation’s ongoing war against Islamic militants.
Marjorie Rink
Marjorie Andersen Rink, 91, of East Glacier, died May 23, 2015, in Kalispell.
Wednesday, May 27
Whitefish funding aquatic invader programs
The Whitefish City Council on May 18 approved spending $35,000 on efforts to keep aquatic invasive species out of Whitefish Lake and other area water bodies. The city spent $40,000 on AIS programs in both 2013 and 2014.
Herbert Strong
Herbert Strong, 73, died at his home in Columbia Falls on May 24, 2015.
Twins lose three in a row
Matthews signs on as volleyball coach
Getts takes fourth at state
Kats take second at state track meet
New Jersey hiker rescued up the North Fork
Hunter cited for mistaken grizzly killing
Ticks: One woman's warning
Teen service projects in Glacier National Park
Glacier Park volunteers recognized
Lion sightings pose dangers at Park campgrounds
Alumnus takes over high school band program
Father and son face felony theft charges
School superintendents discuss religion
Supreme Court remands skateboarding case
C-Falls senior toughs it out in a man's
Nicosia burns candle at both ends
Retired Green Beret inducted into hall of fame
Dead griz found near Paola Creek
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks grizzly bear biologists investigated and retrieved the carcass of an adult female grizzly bear from the Paola Creek area of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River drainage on May 20.
Ferndale man sentenced for killing three grizzlies
A 34-year-old Ferndale man was sentenced to three years of probation, including 60 days in a prerelease center, and a $15,000 fine for shooting three grizzly bears at his residence in Ferndale in spring 2014.
Tuesday, May 26
The Bigfork School Board looks into teacher evaluations
Concerns from Bigfork School parents have prompted the Bigfork School District Board of trustees to take a closer look at how the administration handles teacher evaluations.
Developers in violation of Clean Water Act
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a cease and desist order to Jolene Dugan and Roger Sortino for their work in the wetlands along Flathead Lake in Bigfork.
Whitewater festival has a long history
Paddlers took to the Swan River this weekend for the 40th anniversary of the Bigfork Whitewater Festival.
Bigfork Food Bank breaks ground on new building
The Bigfork Food Bank is on its way toward having a new facility.
Fire department dedicated
Several years ago a lightning strike close to our house set a large tree on fire. Seeing the smoke and flames my wife contacted the Bigfork Fire Department while I tried to stop the flames from spreading. Despite difficulty finding our house, several trucks and volunteer firefighters soon showed up and quickly put the fire out. The entire crew impressed me with their thoroughness and professionalism.
Proposed high school renovation unnecessary
The Inter Lake article on May 16 was about Bigfork High Schools $14 million expansion to do what? Lower the gym floor so they can host tournaments? Hide the buses and the bus maintenance building someplace else because it is not "natural" to see them around a school? Make a large commons area so visitors can see education happening? Improve the parking lot for what, tournament parking? Let me be clear. $14 million or more to make Bigfork High School look classy at a big cost to taxpayers who expect education to be improving, not rebuilding the sports arena! I doubt if you tax payers will let that happen.
Compromise through coalitions
The recently adjourned session of the state legislature was characterized in both House and Senate by compromise and coalition. Democrats and Republicans teamed up to pass key pieces of legislation which largely resulted from negotiations between Democratic Governor Steve Bullock, and the few remaining traditional legislative Republicans.
Robin Stempin
Robin Dale Stempin, 60, of Mililani, Hawaii, chief of Wideband Satellite Communications, Regional SATCOM Support Center, Pacific and an Army veteran, died in Mililani on May 15, 2015.
Glacier Park community meetings
Glacier National Park will host two community meetings to share information about Park activities and provide an opportunity for personal dialogue between Park leadership and local community members and neighbors.
Monday, May 25
Outdoor news
River meeting
Community news
Jazz concerts
Thursday, May 21
Legislators worked together for public safety, privacy
While news coverage of the 2015 Legislative Session focused on high-profile and often contentious issues, legislators in both parties worked together diligently to pass bills I brought forward to improve public safety, protect privacy and strengthen consumer-protection laws.
Glacier Park campgrounds opening
Many of Glacier National Park’s campground facilities will open on Memorial Day weekend.
Glacier Park concessioner schedules
The operating dates for Glacier National Park concessioners for this year have been scheduled. The concessioners work under contract with the Park and provide visitor services, lodging, food service, retail shops, tours, transportation, horseback riding, guided day hikes and backpacking trips, boat tours and small boat rentals.
Montana taxpayers deserved tax simplification and tax relief
Gov. Steve Bullock had an opportunity earlier this month to provide hardworking Montanans with modest income tax relief while also simplifying Montana’s complicated income tax system. He chose not to by vetoing Senate Bill 171. It appears that the state needs your money more than you do.
ABCs and 123s of Montana's historic rural schoolhouses
Montana is well known for its breathtaking mountain views, majestic lakes and vast expanses of open prairie, but one new study is honing in on a particular type of building often seen within those iconic viewsheds — the country schoolhouse.
Lorreta Brown
Loretta Brown, 29, died May 14, 2015, in Columbia Falls.
Wednesday, May 20
Forest Service campgrounds opening for season
Flathead National Forest campgrounds began to open in early May, and all campgrounds are scheduled to be open by the Memorial Day holiday weekend, weather permitting.
Mahlen lands 1,338 fish for Mack Days
Here come the young
Right now in a coulee, sagebrush flat or wheat field near you lays a newborn antelope fawn.
Flathead Lake bridge project in violation
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a cease and desist order to Jolene Dugan and Roger Sortino for their work in the wetlands along Flathead Lake in Bigfork. The notice of violation was sent on May 11 and was stamped received on May 14.
Kats take Northwest A track crown
Getts takes second Northwest A tennis crown
Kats' postseason hopes dashed with losses
Glacier Twins go 2-2 on the week
Kemppainen signs with Montana Tech
Improvements planned for Teakettle access site
Bigfork man crashes into Polson school bus
Daniel G. Fellows, 19, of Bigfork, was arrested after he drove his pickup truck into the back of a stopped and unloading Polson School District bus at 78 miles per hour Monday.
Blue Bay man used sawed-off shotgun to threaten family
Aaron Christopher Dodge, 45, of Blue Bay, had been drinking and watching television April 18 when he, his wife and daughter began arguing about an actress, according to a Lake County Court affidavit.
Club expands; adds physical therapist
The Montana Athletic Club has expanded, both in size and in its offerings.
Park entrance fee hike delayed, snowpack is average
Volunteers work to preserve Lone Pine Cemetery
Stones litter a hill behind the Little Brown Church, many forgotten, overgrown by bushes and worn down by the weather.
Camera lost in Avalanche Creek returned, three years later
Seniors take flight over Glacier Park mountains
Boys doubles teams take second and third at state
The Bigfork Boys doubles teams led the Vikings to second place at the Class B-C state tennis tournament on Saturday in Great Falls.
Golf team third at state, Potkonjak ties for second
Bigfork junior Joseph Potkonjak made a hard push at the top of the leaderboard but couldn’t quite erase the 8-stroke lead of Manhattan’s Joey Peter. Potkonjack finished in a tie for second place at the Class B state golf tournament at EagleRock Golf Course last Wednesday.
Vikings and Valkyries claim Divisional titles
Bigfork cleaned up on the team trophies, claiming both the boys and girls on Saturday during the Western B track and field divisional in Missoula.
City annexes Columbia Falls Industrial Park
Calbag gearing up for demolition
Glencore sets up CFAC cleanup panel
Fire destroys Brunner Rd. home and garage
Church ladies quilting for decades
Dance instructor featured on PBS show
Tuesday, May 19
Tom Edwards
Monday, May 18
Memorial Day ceremonies
United Veterans of the Flathead Valley will present military honors at various locations and cemeteries around the Flathead Valley on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. The public is invited to attend these ceremonies at any location.
Community news
Jazz concerts
Outdoor news
Fly fishing films
Against new subdivision
I am opposed to the large housing development requested by Prairie Dog Development, proposed for the property known as Halfmoon Meadows.
Sunday, May 17
FWP looking at trapping restrictions to protect lynx
A plan to restrict trapping near Glacier and Yellowstone national parks to protect lynx was presented to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on May 14.
Velma Bradley
Velma Bradley, 101, passed away peacefully at Brendan House nursing facility on May 13, 2015, ten days after her 101st birthday.
George Flint Jr.
George Miles Flint Jr., 71, passed away April 25, 2015, at the Montana Veterans Home after a long battle with diabetes.
Friday, May 15
Alcohol a factor in fatal rollover
A 29-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man were ejected from a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe after it rolled on Highway 206 near Kelley Road early in the morning on May 14.
Political coalitions have a long history
The recently adjourned session of the state legislature was characterized in both House and Senate by compromise and coalition. Democrats and Republicans teamed up to pass key pieces of legislation which largely resulted from negotiations between Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock and the few remaining traditional legislative Republicans.
Belinda Peterson
Belinda K. Peterson, 68, passed away May 14, 2015, at her home in Columbia Falls from large red cell cancer.
Thursday, May 14
Ride Guy taxi business explained
I am writing this letter in my capacity as a board member for The Ride Guy organization. The Ride Guy, Inc., is an IRS recognized nonprofit organization and not any single individual. Our organization, founded in 2009, is incorporated and has received its 501(c)(3) status.
Edward Sherle
Edward John Sherle, 86, passed away on May 10, 2015, after a long illness.
Wednesday, May 13
Finding: Scientists broke Montana election laws
Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl recently issued his findings on whether political scientists at Stanford University and Dartmouth College violated Montana campaign laws last fall.
Former district payroll clerk sues district
A former Bigfork School District employee has filed a complaint against the school district for wrongful discharge.
Bigfork school principal recovers from aneurysm
Brenda Clarke feels blessed.
Teacher nominated for national award
A Bigfork Middle School teacher is up for a national award for her hands-on teaching methods in history.
Bigfork High School band rates high at music festival
Two Bigfork High School musicians showcased their skills at the state music festival last weekend.
Teachers should receive regular feedback
While it’s true that non-tenure teachers in Montana aren’t entitled to job security, I think it’s time we started asking ourselves if this also means non-tenure teachers aren’t entitled to be treated with respect. As the school year draws to a close and Mrs. Kelli Whalen - one of Bigfork’s most talented and beloved teachers - prepares to make her final exit, this is a question that many in the community are grappling with now.
Development center not a failure
I have been upset many times with the legislature in regards to SB411, to close the Montana Development Center.
Spring weather brings out the boater in all of us
As the weather gets warmer, the temptation increases to get out on the water. But before you launch your boat, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden Captain Lee Anderson has some reminders to make sure you have a safe time on the water.
Tips and tricks for catching lake trout in Flathead Lake
Why has there been such a disparity among lake trout fishermen in the Mack Days Tournament? Some anglers catch huge numbers while others struggle to catch just a few.
Valkyries tennis dominates divisional tourney
The Bigfork Valkyries dominated their divisional tennis tournament on Friday and Saturday in Bigfork.
Comment sought for road resurface
The Montana Department of Transportation seeks public comments on a proposal to resurface about 25.9 miles of Highway 83 in Lake and Flathead counties.
Vikings and Valkyries take second at district track meet
The Bigfork Vikings and Valkyries placed second at the 7B district track meet in Eureka on Saturday.
Local lacrosse team closes season on high note
The Flathead Lacrosse varsity team matched up against Sandpoint, Idaho, on May 9, knowing that the game’s winner was guaranteed a first-round bye at this weekend’s state championships in Bozeman. Flathead responded with its most complete effort of the season and an 18-3 victory.
Getts wraps up regular season undefeated
Emily Getts will head into the Northwest Class A divisional tournament this week in Libby with an undefeated regular season record in girls tennis.
Kats wallop four at Butte but lose to Polson
The Columbia Falls softball team won four softball games last week but lost the one that they really needed.
Kats have great meet at Polson
Peaking at the right time — that’s how the Columbia Falls track teams are shaping up heading into the divisional tournament this Friday and Saturday.
Fish & Game conducting creel survey
Coram fish hatchery to get natural rearing ponds
Chickens, boneyards entice grizzlies
Highway bill needed for Sun Road project
Glacier Park's roller-coaster budget story
Economic costs top legal costs in timber suits
Economic development tops council's goal list
Woman gets 10 years for running over pedestrian
Motorcyclist breaks into trailers to elude cops
Park plow crews reach Logan Pass
Seaplanes make for a unique flight experience
Local artist breathes new life into old maps
The way forward for Congress
There have been encouraging signs on Capitol Hill of late that Congress’ long slide into irrelevance may be slowing.
Tuesday, May 12
Asian countries are hungry for Montana energy
At the recent Asia Montana Energy Summit, organized by the Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, two points of emphasis stood out. First, economies in Asia are rapidly expanding but rely on imported energy to supply growing demand.
Machiko McMasters
Machiko “Mariko” McMasters, 77, passed away at her home in Columbia Falls on May 8, 2015, with loving family by her side.
Assault not accident
I appreciate the media reporting on dangerous offenders who kill or injure innocent victims. However, I object to a story about Susan Pajnich describing the crime as an accident.
Monday, May 11
Glacier Park news
Park volunteers
Outdoor news
Bike and bird
Community news
Senior awards
Fire engulfs appliance pile at landfill
A large fire broke out early Sunday afternoon at the Flathead County landfill north on U.S. 93. Water tankers from at least seven different fire departments moved in and out of the landfill as firefighters battled a large fire in the appliance pile.
Sunday, May 10
Sara Johnson
Sara Ann ‘Sally’ Johnson, 97, passed away of natural causes May 7, 2015.
Friday, May 8
New Blackfeet check station finds zebra mussels
A new check station set up on U.S. 2 near Browning in the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is credited with stopping a boat from Minnesota bearing adult zebra mussels headed for Whitefish Lake.
Bowman Lake fishermen should be aware of closure
Anglers may want to take note of a new fishing regulation in Bowman Lake in Glacier National Park.
New: Powdered alcohol for backpackers
Rural states are losers in new FCC Internet regulation
Montana is just beginning to see the makings of a legitimate technology sector in our state. It’s not just in Bozeman and Missoula — the potential for technology startups exists anywhere in the state with a decent Internet connection.
C-Falls man sentenced for DUI No. 5
Streamflow forecast changes with declining snowpack
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has changed its streamflow predictions in the Flathead River basin for the rest of the year because high-elevation snowpack is melting earlier than normal.
Glacier Park snowplow crews reach Oberlin Bend
Glacier National Park reports that snowplowing crews are closing in on Logan Pass from both the west and east sides of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Finberg resigns as boys basketball coach
Will remain girls coach
Thursday, May 7
Fox praises work of local legislators
During this past session, several Flathead-area legislators sponsored important public-safety measures brought forward by my office.
Bullock vetoes tax simplification bill
For the second straight legislative session, Gov. Steve Bullock has vetoed a bill aimed at simplifying Montana’s individual taxes.
BNSF oil train derails and burns in North Dakota
A BNSF Railway train hauling crude oil from the Bakken region derailed and caught fire on May 6 at around 7:30 a.m. prompting the evacuation of the 20-resident town of Heimdal, N.D., about 115 miles northeast of Bismarck.
Wednesday, May 6
Solenex urges judge to act on Badger-Two Medicine oil leases
The Louisiana-based company that holds oil and gas leases in the Badger-Two Medicine area south of Glacier National Park has asked a federal judge to resolve its lawsuit challenging the federal government’s suspension of the leases so the company can begin drilling this summer.
1975 Lakeshore Protection Act was designed to keep control of Montana lakes on local level
Two bills would be introduced to the 1975 Montana State Legislature with similar aims. Protecting Montana lakes.
Parents dispute teacher contract termination
A decision to not renew the contract of a Bigfork kindergarten teacher has sparked concern among some Bigfork parents about how personnel decisions are made in the Bigfork School District.
Supreme court denies $12 million judgement
The Montana Supreme Court has overturned a $12 million judgment that a Lake County landowner won by suing his own construction company.
Trucker rolls rig, spills acid along Flathead
A freight truck that crashed on Montana 35 Thursday next to Flathead Lake spilled 125 gallons of phosphoric acid.
Truck crashes into Lakeside storage facility
A man was taken to the hospital after barreling his pickup through a Lakeside storage complex Sunday morning.
Permits for burning will be required as of May 1
Burning Permits will be required Friday, May 1 through Monday, June 30, 2015.
Parents wish for clarification on Bigfork school board decisions
Our lives are busy, so understandably so, not everyone could find the time to attend board meetings. But... Matt Jensen, superintendent stated "not everyone is happy with some decisions." Just to be clear, it is not just 1 or 2 or even a few people who are appalled and in utter disagreement with this decision. There are 20, yes I said 20 parents who have shown support by either writing letters, e-mails, attending board meetings, or by signing a petition to show their support to Mrs. Whalen. There have been at least 11 co-workers or colleagues that have shown Mrs. Whalen support and disagree with the administration, and this number is not including those who said they would support her but were afraid of the consequences and the possible loss of their own jobs!!
Pasteurization of milk not needed
The 2015 Montana legislature voted against the raw milk bill based on misinformation and incorrect data from opposition lobbyists, claiming more people have died from contaminated raw than pasteurized milk.
Relyea a good choice to represent Bigfork Schools
Bigfork residents will have a choice on their ballot for the local school board election this year. Christina Relyea, a parent of a Bigfork student and a resident of Bigfork for 12 years is a citizen who is ready to see Bigfork School maintain high standards. Ms. Relyea, a professor at Flathead Valley Community College, has been instrumental in expanding the Forestry/Natural Resources Department at FVCC. She is also the Director of the Honors Program at FVCC. Her experience in the educational setting will bring knowledge to the Bigfork School system as plans are being made for future educational opportunities for local students. A vote for Ms. Relyea will support the Bigfork School District prepare our students for future challenges and opportunities.
Support for the water compact in legislature appreciated
The CSKT Water Compact is incredibly important to all of Montana, and while some may choose not to see that, many Montanans understand the necessity of this Compact passing through the Montana State Legislature. Last week the Compact successfully passed the Montana State House of Representatives and I would like to thank all those who supported it for listening to and working on behalf of their constituents.
County amends permit to allow longer bridge
The permit for a bridge from property on Holt drive to Dockstader Island was recently amended to add an additional 58 feet to the length of the structure.
Bigfork athletes leave mark at 40th Archie Roe
Bigfork freshman Haile Norred was hot on the heels of Plains standout Hailey Phillips on Saturday, at the 40th annual Archie Roe Invitational track meet in Kalispell.
Vikings headed to state golf tournament next week
The Bigfork High School boys golf team is off to state.
Jordt and Martel finish close second at Loyola Invite
Bigfork’s Isaac Martel and Adam Jordt finished second in doubles play at the Loyola Invitational tennis tournament on Saturday.
Looking for fallen veterans of World War II
I sent this e-mail to all Montanan local newspapers I could find by ways of the Internet and hope that you can be of help with the following.
Kats take fourth at Archie Roe
Tennis squads see up-down week
Kats go 2-1 in softball
Glacier Twins now 7-1, sweep weekend
Flathead defeats Helena in OT
Triplett takes fourth at Rumble in Rockies
Williams MAC champion
State trust fund created to fight aquatic invaders
Visitor attitudes on crowding surveyed
Six accused priests worked in C-Falls
Felony charges follow high-speed pursuit
Crowd control measures lofted by Park
CFAC demolition to start this spring
For some, high school is a harrowing tale
Ask the judge
In my last article, I wrote about divorce and my wish that parents would work harder in their marriages to avoid divorce. I want to be authentic. Towards that end, I want to let you all know that I went through a divorce. Almost 30 years ago, I married another law student after finishing law schoo and we divorced about one year later. To this day, I still consider it the biggest failure of my life.
Mary Armstrong
Mary Penelope “Penny” Armstrong, 75, of Cape Carteret, N.C., died May 4, 2015, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center from cancer. She was with family and a dear friend.
Tuesday, May 5
C-Falls man charged with sexual abuse of children
A 20-year-old rural Columbia Falls man is facing sexual abuse charges for the second time in four years after he allegedly was caught having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl.
Park officials explain Sun Road impacts and plans
Last week, Glacier National Park unveiled five preliminary alternatives for a long-term management plan along the 50-mile scenic route, along with the pullouts, trails and other infrastructure connected to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Bullock praises legislative session
In the run-up to the 2015 legislative session, expectations were low. Montanans expected this session to be more about politics and less about performance. Four months later, I’m pleased to report that the 64th Legislative Session has been anything but.
Zinke bucks party to vote against federal land transfer
Rep. Ryan Zinke sharply criticized a federal budget resolution provision that called for selling or transferring federal lands, breaking with a majority of Republicans to vote against the measure on April 30.
Bullock's veto of anti-public lands bill
Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed a bill that would have created a task force to study how the state could take ownership of federal lands in Montana.
Monday, May 4
Let's not jump on the Superfund bandwagon
I am glad to see Rep. Ryan Zinke share his thoughts about cleaning up the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant. I agree and say, hold up there, think about it and have a little debate.
Community news
School musical
Outdoor news
Creel survey
National day of reason celebration
In 1952, during the McCarthy era, the U.S. Congress established the National Day of Prayer. According to the statute signed by President Harry S. Truman, “The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.”
Endowment thanks
The Columbia Falls High School Academic Endowment Board wishes to thank all those who made our annual spring Academic Arts Showcase at Truby’s Fine Food and Spirits a fun and rousing success. More than $15,000, pre-expenses, was added to the endowment.
Sunday, May 3
Carol Nicholson
Carol Lynn Nicholson, 62, passed away on May 1, 2015, at her home in Columbia Falls.
Saturday, May 2
Stronger standards but lengthy timetable for oil trains
Thicker steel tanks, a thermal lining and improved fittings are part of the stronger safety standards for railroad cars hauling crude oil and other flammable liquids that were unveiled by U.S. and Canadian transportation officials on May 1.
Friday, May 1
Eight Republican bills vetoed
Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed eight Republican-sponsored bills on April 27 as the Montana Legislature came to a close last week.
C-Falls grad on crew that sets 45 flight records
Master Sgt. Matthew Thomas was recently a key member of an Air Force flight that set numerous records for altitude, speed and cargo weight during an hour-long flight on a C-5M cargo jet out of Travis Air Force Base.
Hanson's Hardware resurrected
When Gary Hanson took ownership of the True Value Hardware store on U.S. 2 in Columbia Falls last August, the store’s entire inventory would have filled about three shelves.
Andrew Mahncke
Andrew John Mahncke, 30, passed away April 18, 2015.
