Ellington

Martial arts studio comes to Columbia Falls

A martial arts studio that opened in Columbia Falls this month will offer self-defense classes. North Fork Tai Chi Chuan is in the same building as North Fork Pizza at 605 Nucleus Avenue, but is accessed through the alley.

Demolition of old Columbia Falls house could help community market

The hillside above O’Brien’s Liquor Store has been transformed with the demolition of a century-old house and two other buildings on the property.

What To Know Before Booking A Vacation Home

(NAPSI)—Renting a vacation home has become a popular choice among travelers, made easier than ever by trendy peer-to-peer sharing sites. Rather than squeezing into a hotel room, vacationers are spreading out and taking advantage of such benefits as extra space, convenience and privacy. Before booking a home base for what’s meant to be a relaxing getaway, however, travelers need to consider from whom they’re renting to ensure a trouble-free experience. Here are some important things to know before booking:

Environmental Education Matters: The Value Of Teaching Children To Protect Our Planet

(NAPSI)—Americans create mountains of trash—literally! Layer upon layer of trash is covered with dirt in our landfills, creating mounds that rise as high as 500 feet. Moreover, 200 million tons of garbage are added annually, potentially negatively impacting surrounding communities. Our attitudes and actions toward waste must change.

Bigfork works to create map of town's defibrillators

The Bigfork Fire Department has paired with the Chamber of Commerce to create a map of defibrillators throughout town.

Hatchery objects to Creston bottling plant

In a formal objection filed earlier this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service challenged the Montana Department of Natural Resources’ determination that a proposed water bottling plant in Creston would not adversely affect the nearby fish hatchery.

Flathead Electric Co-op proposes bylaw changes

The Flathead Electric Co-op is proposing a couple of bylaw changes and has three people running uncontested for three open seats.

Columbia Falls High School students prevail at Montana state science fair

Two Columbia Falls High School students took home awards at the state science fair. Colin Norick and Annabel Conger were the only high school students from the Flathead Valley to place at the state level.

In agreement: Shut down Sun Road

Dear Mark Chappell, I think your letter of opinion is an absolute masterpiece of original thought. Shut down “The Road” and the road will last for ever. Hikers, bikers, naturalists, biologists and many, many other appreciative and adventurous people will be able to use it as an artery to the life blood of the natural world. Then, Glacier, would truly be the Crown of The Continent, and as the other overused National Parks crumble under the weight of humanity Glacier will be, may be truly the Last Best Place On Earth. Thank you Mark Chappell!

Story Slam thank you

To the editor,

Deleray interview, continued

This week we conclude the recent interview with Mark Delaray, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region One Fisheries Manager.    

Elbow and Computer Trouble

Last week the hard-working staff at Hungry Horse News had to dig out an “oldie but goodie” column from the files because I could not do a new one or rewrite an oldie due to a strange swelling in my right elbow. It even hurt to scratch my nose. A trip to the doctor got some advice and medicine, then my faithful Apple II computer developed serious problems, not solved by deadline. Those things happen when both the writer and his machine are no longer covered by warranty.

North Fork singers lighten the mood

Normally, North Fork winter and early spring social activities are confined to private homes. These activities involve dinner parties, football and basketball parties (not everyone has satellite TV) and occasional card parties and book-lovers doings. Not this year. Last Wednesday a new group, The North Fork Voices, hosted the first potluck dinner of the year and, according to Lois Walker, gave spring a joyous welcome. The dinner was followed by a performance by The North Fork Voices choral group.

Julius “Jiggs” Burton Hill

Jiggs died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the age of 92.

Frank B. Meyer

Byron Franklin “Frank” Meyer passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer to join his Lord on Oct. 10, 2015, in Choteau. Frank was an avid sportsman, ham radio enthusiast, and Good Samaritan. 

Burns wins dunk contest

Senior Kyler Burns won the slam dunk contest at the Les Schwab shootout in Kalispell last week. Burns threw down a 38-point windmill dunk in the final round to win the title.

Columbia Falls girls tennis has good numbers, boys not so much

The Columbia Falls girls tennis squad should have about 30 players and coach Gene Marcille has high expectations for the season.

Babcock breaks swimming record

Columbia Falls swimmer Colton Babcock did well at the 2016 Northwest Speedo Senior Sectional Championships in Federal Way, Washington, recently.

Tester, CFAC at odds over Superfund designation

Montana Sen. Jon Tester said last week he still favors a Superfund designation for the defunct Columbia Falls Aluminum Co, plant.

La primavera es un buen momento para chequear su informe de crédito

(NAPSM)—La

Roger Clemens: A Face for Food Science

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Blackfeet bison project could return herd back to Glacier National Park, Badger Two Medicine

Back in 1873 a

Columbia Falls grad coach looks to help students get degree

Columbia Falls High School now has a graduation coach to help students who need it get through high school. Leslie Fant has been working in the new position at the high school since the beginning of the year. She teaches a credit recovery class and a learning strategies and support class.

Springtime Is A Good Time To Check Your Credit Report

(NAPSI)—Most people look to spring as a good time to clean out those items you no longer need and get organized. This should extend to your financial records as well.

Wash Away Winter Grime

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How to Combat Rising Life Insurance Costs

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Simple Tips to Relieve Clutter Distres

(Family Features) Getting organized can feel like an insurmountable goal when every place in your home becomes a catch-all for the family clutter, especially if your closets and designated storage areas are tapped out of space.

DIY Drain Tips and Hacks

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A bucket-list ride on a dog sled

In the Swan Valley snow, a woman looked at the six dogs attached to her sled Thursday before giving them the signal to go — marking another thing off the bucket list she has worked on between chemotherapy treatments for six years.

Sex offender admits role in Bigfork burglary

A sex offender admitted in Flathead District Court on Tuesday to violating terms of probation and parole by being involved in a Bigfork burglary spree.

Kiwanis looking to add businesses to flag program

The Columbia Falls Kiwanis Club is hoping to get more businesses to participate in its flag program. For $35 a year, the civic organization will hang a flag at a business on most major holidays and for Heritage Days in Columbia Falls.

Julia Saunders is BHS student of the month

Bigfork High School has selected Julia Saunders as their new Student of the Month.  Julia is a member of the junior class, and is the daughter of Cheryl Saunders and Jack Saunders.

Wrecks in the Canyon occur during hailstorm

A hailstorm in the Canyon led to two accidents this afternoon.

Taste of Bigfork planned April 24

The 21st annual Taste of Bigfork is Sunday, April 24.

LETTER: About that anger, just who do you think is to blame?

Everywhere I turn these days, I am told how angry Americans are. Well, let us ask a few questions in trying to find wherein lies the blame for all of this hostility.

Bigfork workshop teaches rescue from traps

Each year thousands of potentially lethal traps are set on Montana’s public lands. If your dog got caught in a trap, would you know how to rescue it?

FEC: Man stole power off grid, with jumper cables

Birth center expansion impresses visitors

The nearest birth center to Columbia Falls area residents just received a much-needed expansion. North Valley Hospital in Whitefish is about a 13-minute drive from downtown Columbia Falls.

Brewery a big hit in Columbia Falls

Backslope Brewing in Columbia Falls opened earlier this month. It’s been busy ever since, said co-owner Carla Fisher.

Giggles is first drop-in child care in Columbia Falls

A new child care facility has moved into the Falls Station storefront vacated by Iron Fitness. Giggles Drop In Child Care opened three weeks ago as the only drop-in child care in the Columbia Falls area.

A conversation with FWP's fisheries manager

In spring of 2014, Mark Delaray succeeded long-time Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region One fisheries manager Jim Vashro.  I recently sat down with Mark for this interview:

Coyote stew and other foods

Rerun from March 26, 1992:

Forest plan limits extreme biking

On the national scene it seems to me that both parties are determined to turn the next election into a circus with more clowns than tigers and lions. I hope that does not happen on the local scene as the Flathead Forest Plan moves toward adoption—it may well define recreation, development and logging for twenty or thirty years.

Letter: Sun Road shouldn't exist

I would like to respond to the article in the Hungry Horse News, “Glacier Park gearing up for expected crowds; boosts staff.” This horse is getting worn out, thinned, and lame as it recurs over and over again, year after year, and the horse I’m referring to is the National Park Service. In all manner of situations, the NPS has purchased the chicken before it built the coop, and continues to buy more and more chickens, while still having built no coop. The NPS has become its own worst enemy and further pushes itself to the edge of the cliff.

Columbia Falls softball team should be solid this year

The Columbia Falls girls softball team has been working hard in the off-season and is ready to hit the diamond, provided the fields dry out.

Columbia Falls track teams have strong numbers heading into season

The Columbia Falls track squad has about 100 athletes this year hoping to nab a spot on the podium. Last year the girls team took second at the state Class A tourney and they hope to be in the mix again this year, noted coach Jamie Heinz. The girls lose long-distance runner Samantha Mundel and jumper Carla Nicosia to graduation, but they have a lot of returning athletes, including all of last year’s state champion 1,600 meter relay team.

Chet Wram

Whitefish native Chet Wram passed away on Saturday, March 19, at home. Born June 3, 1947 to Leanore and Oscar Wram, he attended Whitefish schools and graduated in 1966. Upon graduating from Eastern Montana College he returned to Whitefish and began his 35-year career as a railroad engineer. He was looked up to as a leader and greatly valued the people that he worked with and their camaraderie. On July 22, 1983 he married Kathy McGuire and from this union came two of Chet’s proudest accomplishments, their son, Bryan, in 1986 and daughter, JJ, in 1987.

Woman charged in high speed chase was on the lam for a month

A woman who took police on a high speed chase last summer through the Canyon was found again after she was on the lam for several weeks when she skipped her court sentencing.

Columbia Falls city council continues debate on crosswalk at pizza place

The Columbia Falls City Council Monday once again discussed the intersection of Sixth Street and Nucleus Avenue at length.

Glacier Park will start plowing roads next week

Glacier National Park will start the annual spring plowing of roads next week. On the west side, crews are scheduled to start plowing the Camas Road on April 1.

Electric Avenue gunshot leads to suspended sentence

A Bigfork man was given a suspended jail sentence on Tuesday for firing a gun in his neighborhood.

Man admits role in Bigfork burglary

A sex offender admitted in Flathead District Court on Tuesday to violating terms of probation and parole by being involved in a Bigfork burglary spree.

LETTER: Bottling plant is symptom of a larger issue

It has been quite an effort by the neighboring property owners to draw attention to the impacts of the bottling plant. While the effort is more than justified it might be for naught. As previously said unless there is some technical, scientific, or other like factors, related to the state permit, that can counter what has been submitted by the applicant, the application will likely be approved.

A Guide to Enrolling in Medicare When You Become Eligible

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Local cherry growers get juice plant

A new cherry juice plant should make a splash this summer in the growers community along Flathead Lake.

Flathead Valley has about 500 nonprofits, expert says

Nonprofit organizations are a large part of the community in Columbia Falls and the Flathead Valley.

Making Laser Vision Correction Surgery Affordable-A Look At The Options

(NAPSI)—With more than 600,000 procedures taking place every year, laser vision correction surgery—such as LASIK—remains an extremely popular option for adults interested in reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contacts to see clearly. With an average price of $4,500 for the most advanced procedure, many people interested in LASIK are often challenged to find a way to pay for it. Here are a few suggestions from the American Refractive Surgery Council:

Research Suggests More Planning Needed

(NAPSI)—About 10,000 baby boomers retire every day across America but research from the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) has found they are losing confidence in their ability to attain financial security during their retirement years. A 2015 study by the IRI found that only 27 percent of boomers are highly confident their savings will last throughout retirement. This is the lowest level since 2011, when this annual study began.

West Shore Happenings

Greetings, West Shore neighbors & friends:  =Below is the latest update on what is happening in our area. Compiled by

School District 6 cancels mill levy, looks to future tech levy

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Green Is Good

Kicking the Habit

(Family Features) Quitting tobacco is hard, but it’s never too late to quit and begin reaping the health benefits of a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Great Game Day Grub

African Americans and Kidney Disease: Making the Connection

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Perfect Pops for Every Occasion

Let the Housestalking Begin

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Winning Back Weeknight Cooking

Kidney Disease and Children: Put Prevention Into Practice

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Homemade Cooking Made Easy

4 Reasons to Use Canola Oil

'Classical Showcase Concert' hits Bigfork

Kinnor Classics presents a “Classical Showcase Concert” on Sunday, March 20, at 3 p.m. at the St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork.

LETTER: Critics of refugee letter need to face 2016 realities

This letter serves to express my disapproval of the writer who disapproved of the commissioners’ approval of a letter opposing refugee settlement in Flathead County.

LETTER: Just a bad idea

My immediate reaction to the March 8 article on the bottling plant in Creston was simply, “That is a bad idea.” In this day and age, with what is happening to our environment, the last thing we need is someone contributing to the drought we are already experiencing by taking water from the land and putting it in PLASTIC bottles to further pollute our world.

State OKs Columbia Falls tax increment finance plan

The Montana Department of Revenue last month gave the thumbs up to the city’s tax increment finance district and urban renewal plan.

Man admits firing gun during argument

A Bigfork man admitted Thursday to drunkenly firing a gun toward his wife was in on Oct. 28, 2015.

BLM, DOI cancel oil, gas lease just south of Glacier National Park

Under a 24-hour deadline from a federal judge, the Department of Interior and the Bureau of Land Management Thursday canceled a 6,000-plus acre oil and gas lease in the Badger Two Medicine Region of the Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Woman dies in Highway 206 wreck, child OK

Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre presents 'Seussical the Musical'

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents “Seussical the Musical,” on March 18-19 and 25-26 at 7:30 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m.

Conservancy looks to give $1.21 million to Glacier National Park projects

The Glacier National Park Conservancy announced recently that it will fund at least $1.121 million in projects this year.

Columbia Falls area students do well at county science fair

Columbia Falls area students did well in the Flathead County Science Fair last week. Here are the local winners:

Bigfork hunter has lived adventurous life

Whether it’s a herd of caribou in Alaska, a grizzly in British Columbia or a polar bear in the Arctic Circle, retired outfitter Gene Lee has hunted just about every game animal there is in North America.

Columbia Falls English teacher will be missed

Columbia Falls High School English teacher Michael Christensen is most often thought of as a great speech and debate coach, but he also has taught Columbia Falls students for three decades. He is retiring at the end of this school year.

Prepare Your Air Conditioner For Summer

(NAPSI)—Although the dog days of summer are months away, it’s never too soon to begin preparing for them. This includes taking a few simple steps to make sure your air-conditioning system is ready to properly cool your home.

BASKETBALL: Four from Bigfork named all-state in Class B

Jordt, Landon, Berg, Campbell all recognized

The Bigfork basketball teams both went undefeated in District 7B, sweeping their way to the regular season and tournament titles.

U.S. 93 safety project planned in Somers

The Montana Department of Transportation is taking comments on proposed safety improvements for a quarter-mile stretch of U.S. 93 in Somers.

Minimalist minnow a great fly

If you haven’t already filled your fly boxes for the upcoming season, it’s time to either head to your vise or place an order with your favorite fly tier.

Hoops all-state, conference announced

Nathan Riley was named first-team all-conference in basketball for the season. Riley, a senior, was the only player selected from the team this year.

Caudill named swim coach

The Board of Directors for the Columbia Falls summer swim team has announced that Amy Caudill has been selected to be the new head coach for the squad.

Kats fall just short to Butte Central in state final

Despite a valiant effort, the Columbia Falls girls basketball team fell short in the state A title game to Butte Central, 55-48. The girls played great defense, but the Kats had untimely turnovers and missed some key free throws down the stretch which proved to be their undoing.

Man pleads guilty to burglary spree

A man has pleaded guilty to his role in an Oct. 26, 2015, burglary spree in the Bigfork area.

Protest period extended for water permit

The protest period for a preliminary water rights permit issued to the Montana Artesian Water Co. has been extended by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Rural Bigfork neighbors reactivate land-use group

The LaBrant-Lindsey Lane Land Use Advisory Committee has planned a public meeting Monday to rekindle interest in the neighborhood plan that covers an area north of Bigfork.

Hope For A Cure: Anti-Cancer Compound Looks Promising

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Constance Ilene (Dial) Trinastich

Constance Ilene (Dial) Trinastich, 64, passed away in her home suddenly on Thursday, March 3, 2016. 

Benjamin Thomas Creech III

Ben left us on March 10, 2016 at the age of 26.

About MIA Lists

One of my classmates and friend in Flathead High School was Jerry Baldwin. He came from a historic local family which had more than its share of personal tragedy, which I’ll not detail in this column. His father was a well-known attorney who was shot by a client and one of his two older brothers, Jimmy, was killed during World War II European combat. All the Baldwins were talented musically. His sister became a professional piano player and singer.

North Fork debate is tiresome

Regular readers are aware that I often ask, “What do you think?” at the end of many columns. Of course, I do this to find out from readers what their opinions are and maybe get information for a future column. The results are somewhat mixed. Most comments are verbal with readers saying they either liked or disliked my opinion. Once in a while I get a real letter or long email from someone who really thinks about the issues. In recent weeks I have received two of these.

Much to be proud of at the high school

As principal of Columbia Falls High School, I am fortunate to regularly witness achievements that should make our community proud. To ensure recognition of sometimes overlooked positive aspects of Columbia Falls High School, I want to point out some of the reasons we should be impressed by our students, our faculty and our school.

GOP views on presidential primary as diverse as the field

Local Republicans views on the GOP primary race are shaping up to be as diverse as the field itself, with little broad support for any one candidate.

North Fork Road could see upgrades in '18

A $1.6 million federal grant proposal to improve the North Fork Road from Polebridge to the Canadian border will likely be submitted by April 4, Flathead National Forest officials said last week.

For Whitefish venture capitalist, a messy sex scandal arises

Calling his accuser “a woman scorned” consumed by anger, obsession and jealousy, Whitefish philanthropist Michael Goguen says he is being extorted by a woman who claims in a lawsuit that he sexually abused her during their 13-year relationship.

CME Group Crowns College Trading Champs

(NAPSI)—After four weeks of hands-on competition among undergraduate and graduate students across the globe, CME Group announced the winners of its 13

Keep Track Of Open Recalls

(NAPSI)—If you’re like most people, car safety and performance are important to you. But you might be surprised to hear that over 47 million vehicles have unfixed safety recalls—vehicles you might be sharing the road with or driving yourself.

Want to Create a Bookworm? Start Reading Early and Often

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When Quitting Is Winning

(Family Features) Quitting tobacco is hard, but it’s never too late to quit and begin reaping the health benefits of a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Tips for a Show-Stopping Showing

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Wake Up Refreshed

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5 Simple Tricks to Restore Damaged Hair

(Family Features) If your once shiny and healthy locks have fallen victim to heat and styling damage, you may be able to reverse the impact and reclaim your lustrous mane.

Home Sweet Office

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Easter Egg Dyeing Guide

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The Backyard Swiss Army Knife

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BOYS BASKETBALL: Bigfork fells Big Timber, reaches state championship game

Vikings to face defending champ Choteau Saturday night

BUTTE — Bigfork led wire-to-wire and earned a chance to win a second state championship in three years, toppling Big Timber 63-51 on Friday night at the Class B state boys basketball tournament at the Butte Civic Center.

Smith settling in as Glacier's second in command

Eric Smith has wore a lot of hats in his career both in and out of the Park Service. The new deputy superintendent has had about four months to get familiar with Glacier after moving here from Denali National Park in Alaska where he held the same post.

Glacier Park gearing up for expected crowds; boosts staff

Glacier National Park will have a few more employees to help handle the record crowds expected this summer. Deputy Superintendent Eric Smith said the Park will have 13 more seasonal employees. Instead of being assigned to a specific region of the 1-million plus acre park, they’ll go where they’re most needed over the summer, he said.

Turning Travel Time Into Learning Time With Kids

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Helen Irene Gray, 75

Helen Irene Gray “went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” on March 6, 2016, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. We will miss her lovely smile that would light up any room and her many prayers that made a difference.

Escuche: Hágase el test de cáncer de hígado La historia de un hombre

(NAPSM)—Gary

Columbia Falls Wildkats drop Havre to advance at state basketball tourney

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team advanced to the semifinal round of the state A tournament in Belgrade Thursday, dropping Havre 64-52.

BNSF investing $180 million in Montana railways this year

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway last week announced it would spend about $180 million in its rail services this year in Montana. That includes replacing 7,000 ties and 11 miles of rail between Whitefish and East Glacier, said spokesman Matt Jones.

Students win awards at science fair

Columbia Falls High School students received several awards at the 31st annual Montana Tech Regional Science and Engineering Fair last month.

C-Falls man held witness at gunpoint in heroin deal

A Columbia Falls man recently pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession and distribution of drugs. 

8th grader to publish veterans' memories

Columbia Falls Junior High student Kaliann Douglas is raising money to print a book about local veterans’ memories.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Bigfork in familiar position entering state tournament

Vikings set sights on second state title in three years

BUTTE — The Bigfork Vikings won a state championship just two years ago.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bigfork draws mighty Malta to open state tournament

Vals to take on defending state champs this morning

BUTTE — The Bigfork coaching staff had a chance to watch the Malta-Fairfield Northern B divisional championship game last week, and they came back with a clear message for their girls.

Fishfull Thinking: Modest increase to fishing licenses this year

Have you purchased your 2016-2017 fishing license yet?

Columbia Falls native Spencer inducted into skiing HOF

Columbia Falls native Steve Spencer was recently inducted into the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation’s hall of fame.

Waterton will see infrastructure projects, road closures this summer

Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada will see a couple of key closures that will run from April to November. The Cameron Lake day use area will be closed for construction and to replace existing facilities from April to November. The Akamina Parkway will also be closed in the same time period because of the Cameron Lake construction. The road closure includes pedestrians and cyclists, though the park may have a shuttle so people can access some key trailheads.

3 Reasons Why You Should Consider an IRA

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C-Falls native Spencer inducted into skiing HOF

Columbia Falls native Steve Spencer was recently inducted into the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation’s hall of fame.

Think Your Information Is Safe? Think Again

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Working together, not extremism, key to public land management

It’s been near impossible to miss the headlines about armed extremists and radical politicians trying to destroy our national public lands legacy. From Washington, D.C. to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, selfishness and delusional interpretations of the U.S Constitution have come together in support of a disastrous agenda aimed squarely at one thing: taking national public lands away from the American people. 

Ronald 'Cleve' Wilson

Marion Hart

Bad wrist column

Sort of fell off my exerciser machine this week and really hurt my wrist, so am doing something I never did before in the 54 years of writing this column. Am printing a 17-year-old piece by faxing the original newspaper copy rather than reworking and retyping it. Iris said it was OK.

Lawsuit leads to settlement over granary demolition

Flathead County will pay $8,500 in a negotiated settlement with LM Excavating to end a legal battle over the demolition of the county-owned Kalispell Feed & Grain facility south of Kalispell, the commissioners unanimously decided last Thursday.

Employee injured at CFAC

A Calbag Resources employee injured his leg while cutting steel at Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant last Wednesday. The 40-year-old man was going into shock when emergency responders were notified at 3:20 p.m. 

Bullet goes through athletic director's living room window

Police are investigating a gunshot that went into the home of Columbia Falls High School athletic director last Friday. No one was injured.

Volunteers sought for Creston Auction

Volunteers are needed for the 50th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair and the accompanying auto, marine, recreational-vehicle and equipment sale.

Man rescued after logging accident

An injured logger was rescued in the Swan Valley on Monday afternoon.

County renews Sliter Park lease

Flathead County will extend its lease with PacifiCorp for Sliter Park in Bigfork for another five years, the county Park Board unanimously decided Monday.

FWP seeks comment on rule change to boat inspections

Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks has proposed a rule change to further prevent the infestation of aquatic invasive species in waters.

School embezzling suspect appears in court

A woman accused of embezzling money from the Lakeside-Somers Parent Teachers Association last year had her first appearance in Flathead District Court on Thursday.

Creston farmer plans bottling plant

Proposed water permit could fill 2 billion bottles a year

On one of the sprawling farms along the Flathead River’s Egan Slough, the Montana Artesian Water Co. is quietly working to open a plant that could bottle as much as 191.6 million gallons of groundwater per year.

Three people hurt in three-vehicle collision

Five people were involved in a three-vehicle collision Monday afternoon on Montana 35 north of Bigfork.

Ban on bikes in wilderness challenged

No mechanical transport in the wilderness — not even a wheelbarrow.

'Strum and Drum' benefit returns for second year

"Strum and Drum,” a benefit concert that supports the guitar education program at Salish and Kootenai College, will be held on Wednesday, March 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Johnny Arlee/Victor Charlo Theatre on the SKC campus in Pablo.

Urgency or Emergency?

(Family Features) When unexpected health mishaps arise, many people’s first reaction is to head to an emergency room. But when those illnesses and injuries aren’t true emergencies, not knowing the best option for care can end up costing both time and money.

Savory Snacking with Cheese

(Family Features) Expanding your culinary horizons doesn’t have to be limited to dinnertime. In fact, snacks are a perfect chance to experiment with unfamiliar flavors, whether they are completely new or a variation of a treat you already enjoy.

5 Mistakes New Homeowners Make That Attract Pests

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Thread Count Myths

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Corral Clutter with a Mudroom

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Is it Time to Cancel Your Mortgage Insurance?

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Donald Elsworth Diggins Jr., 88

Claiming disparaging remarks about his wife, Anderson resigns as Columbia Falls basketball coach

Columbia Falls boys basketball coach John Anderson has resigned after one season, claiming he couldn’t work in a “toxic” environment.

Richard (Rip) Alan Busby

Richard (Rip) Alan Busby passed away Feb. 23, 2016 at the age of 42. He was born in Rexburg, Idaho on June 4, 1973 to Joe and Fran Busby. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1991.  His biggest passion besides watching the Raiders, was to cook for friends and family.  He managed the Outback Steak Houses in Spokane, Washington for seven years.  He also cooked for the Backroom and Bluemoon Bar in Columbia Falls until he wasn’t able to work due to his cancer. 

Babcock likes to win titles, without making a splash

Colton Babcock is 6-foot-3, 185-pounds and has an arm span of 6-foot-6.

Learn about trap safety at Bigfork meeting

If your dog got caught in a trap, would you know how to rescue it?

Two legislative districts have GOP contests

With 10 days to go before the filing deadline for state legislative office, a pair of Republican primary contests have emerged in Northwest Montana while most area districts have yet to attract Democratic contenders.

Starry Night: Waterton-Glacier closes in on landmark dark sky status

On a clear night in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, away from the crowds and the humdrum of modern life, there are stars in the sky. Billions of points of light so bright that, once one gets used to the dim, but comforting glow, a person can walk around by it.

3 Surprising Things You May Not Know About Chiropractors

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'Groovin' on a Sunday Afternoon' concert to feature Andre Floyd

"Groovin’ on a Sunday Afternoon” is back on Sunday, March 6, featuring local bluesman Andre Floyd. Doors open at 2 p.m. and music begins at 2:30 p.m.

What You Don't Know About Chiropractors May Surprise You

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Staircase Solution: Steps Don't Have to Be Your Enemy

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Are Steps Causing Your Knees to Ache? There May Be a Solution

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Murrell Malone

Murrell Malone passed away on Feb. 18, 2016 peacefully in his sleep. He was born on the Malone homestead ranch 50 miles east of Roswell, New Mexico on Feb. 25, 1912. He was one of 13 children of George and Freddy Malone and was the last living child of this pioneer family. 

Ronald Larry Jones

Ronald Larry Jones, 83, passed away in his home with his loving family around him on Feb. 19, 2016.

100 years ago on the North Fork

Matt Brill was the North Fork homesteader that I knew best. When my folks bought Kintla Ranch from the Brills in 1947 I was 10 years old and Matt was just old. He taught me Dutch oven cooking, edible plants and how to use them and told stories of his early days on The North Fork—some of them I have already shared. So it has been a special joy to have archivist, Lois Walker, pulling more stories out of the archives of the first Columbia Falls newspaper, The Columbian, like the one two weeks ago. Here is another from January 1914:

About Taxes and Tobacco

Sometimes it seems there are government spies hiding behind every bush looking for a new way to get tax money out of the unsuspecting citizens. There are hundreds of adages used to describe the various strategies of those eager collectors. A typical reference is comparing IRS employees to “vultures … circling overhead waiting for a hapless worker to stumble and fall on the burning sands of tax land.”

With unusually warm weather, disease carrying ticks are active

The recent spate of warm weather has wood ticks active in the Flathead Valley. Ticks normally aren’t active this early, but rains have melted low elevation snows and temperatures last week were in the 40s and 50s. The high temperature last Friday was 54. 

People before the Park: Tales of Glacier National Park before tourists

With warm days and cool nights, the winter snow in Glacier National Park has set, allowing one to walk on the crust. This all important snow was critical to the Kootenai people, who would  cross its surface up and over what is now Logan Pass to hunt buffalo near the shores of St. Mary Lake. They would butcher the beasts and carry them back over the pass, with one man sometimes standing on the shoulders of another man to get over cliffs.

Free Orthodontic Care For Kids In Need

(NAPSI)—Low-income children across the country may be able to qualify for pro bono orthodontic treatment.

Six Tax Myths To Avoid

(NAPSI)—While a professional tax adviser can help you understand what you need to know and do about paying taxes, you can save yourself time, money and trouble if you can already tell tax truth from misconception. Here are a few common but erroneous beliefs—and the reality.

New Books Spotlight Zany, Sometimes Lifesaving Antics Of Pets.

(NAPSI)—Ask any pet owner and they’ll tell you there’s no such thing as a bad dog or cat. Sometimes they drive us crazy, but most of the

Open burning season starts today

Open burning season started today in Flathead County.

Join the fun at Bigfork Brewfest on Saturday

The seventh annual Bigfork Brewfest is Saturday.  

New Television Series Pays Homage to America's Artisans

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The Bet That Launched Filet-O-Fish

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Are You at Risk for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

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How to Unwind Before Your Unravel

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