Ellington

North shore property, public access disagreement

I am responding to you with the knowledge I have as one of the previous owners of Eagle Cove, and as the current secretary of the Eagle Cove Home Owners Association. I have not owned any of the property in question for almost 10 years. The property is currently owned by a local Bigfork resident and some of my family members who have ties to Flathead Lake since the 1930s. In fact, my daughter’s grandfather’s cabin on the east shore of the lake, which was built in 1938, is still owned by the family.

Heritage Act Refreshingly Bipartisan

For over 60 years, the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association has served as an important voice for the outfitting industry and as a key partner in decisions that effect the management of public land and wildlife resources. We are proud to represent over 200 member businesses across the state that offer a wide variety of outfitting and guiding services. Together, these businesses play a vital role in Montana’s tourism economy and help maintain the culture and traditions of ethical sportsmanship.

Bigfork Summer Playhouse gears up for 2014 season

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is gearing up for its 55th season.

Diana Neville Knowles builds a career around the art of people

Spring is alive outside artist Diana Neville Knowles’ home in Ferndale.

PAVE at Bigfork High School

Amy Campbell warned the crowd she was going to cry.

Flathead Lake Brewing Company on cutting edge in design

There is something strangely missing at the construction site at the new Flathead Lake Brewing Company in Bigfork.

Wants Flathead Forest snowmobile season shortened

This an open letter to Flathead National Forest supervisor Chip Weber, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Helena field supervisor Jodi Bush and Rocky Mountain District Ranger Mike Munoz.

Helen Athearn

Helen Athearn, 92, of Sun City, Ariz., and Glacier National Park, died April 22, 2014.

Track teams endure soggy weather at local Invite

Kat softball sees up and down week

Snowmobile tracks found in Badger-Two Medicine

Chickens are 'like crack' for wild bears

Columbia Falls asked to help stop aquatic invaders

New Big Creek director getting, giving education

City to request full-blown CFAC investigation

The Columbia Falls City Council expressed unanimous agreement April 21 about taking the next step in cleaning up the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. smelter site.

High-tech battery company looking to expand

C-Falls musicians score at District 1 festival

Candidate touts his conservative business experience

The case for better regulations

Within days of each other this month, Gov. Steve Bullock released his business plan for Montana, and the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics issued its latest jobs report.

Don't be fooled by false and inflammatory statements

I simply have to shake my head at the blatantly false accusations and statements made in the press lately by a few fringe environmentalists concerning Gov. Steve Bullock’s priority landscape recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The accusations are so false and so out-of-line that they must be corrected.

Family Forestry Expo marks 25 years

Amtrak passenger trail derails

Amtrak’s Empire Builder passenger train carrying 117 passengers partially derailed on Monday afternoon, April 28, near the Hi-Line town of Bainville, in the northeastern corner of Montana.

West Nile virus vaccinations recommended for horses

Glacier Park news

Prescribed burn

Outdoor news

Hunting and fishing regs

Community news

Arbor Day

Albert Trenkle

Jesse LaDow

Supports Mitchell

I have known Phil for 18 years and endorse him for Flathead County Commissioner.

Renewable energy isn't radical, it's practical

When the Hungry Horse News gives editorial space to industry organizations, like Count on Coal Montana, they should really setoff the columns as advertisements and charge accordingly. Rather than enlightening readers, the sole purpose of these fact-deficient pieces is to generate income and favoritism for their respective industries.

State election office dismisses complaint

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl has dismissed a complaint filed against a group of Republicans, including Sen. Bruce Tutvedt and former Kalispell mayor Tammi Fisher.

Forest watchdogs criticize Forest planning process

Three environmental advocates say they are withdrawing from the Flathead National Forest’s Forest Plan revision process, claiming the process is “ill-informed, poorly documented and is creating conflict and resentment” at considerable taxpayer expense.

Questions Glacier National Park's 'partners'

I would like to inject a few comments concerning Chris Peterson’s article, “Glacier Park’s fundraiser partner releases strategic plan” in the April 23 issue of the Hungry Horse News.

Whitefish officials describe oil train preparations

Since the Dec. 30, 2013, derailment of the BNSF Railway Bakken oil train in Casselton, N.D., considerable attention has been drawn to the safety of the communities these shipments are passing through. As Bakken oil shipments pass through our Whitefish community on a daily basis, we would like to take this opportunity to report to you our preparations and priorities should we be faced with a hazardous materials release in our community.

Kudos for baseball

Please say thanks to the officers and coaches of the Columbia Falls Baseball Association.

Canyon man cycles in and out of prison

A former Hungry Horse man with a history of cycling in and out of prison and problems with drug use is facing revocation for the second time.

Commissioners table vote on political signs

The Flathead County Commissioners have put off a decision on whether to allow political signs to stay up on private property for any length of time. They tabled the proposal indefinitely on April 25.

An especially important election this year

The 2015 Montana legislative session will be the most important session since I was elected to the Montana House in 1999.

Celebrating 50 Years of Wilderness

Tom Jenko isn’t your typical wilderness lover. Or maybe he is. He’s a medical doctor with a 32-year practice in Bigfork, but he’s taken every opportunity over those years to get himself and his family into Montana’s wilderness.

Sun Road plows now past The Loop

Glacier National Park plow crews clearing snow on the Going-to-the-Sun Road’s west side have reached The Loop switchback and are heading up into the alpine reaches of the highway.

Watchdog groups to pull back from Forest Plan process

The following letter was sent to Flathead National Forest superviser Chip Weber:

NTSB head wants faster action on oil trains

National Transportation Safety Board chairman Deborah Hersman wants steps to be taken immediately to protect the public from potentially catastrophic oil train accidents — even if it means using emergency authority.

Bigfork track has eyes on districts

With the district meet a little over three weeks away, the Bigfork High School track coaches are feeling the pressure.

Bigfork Tennis heads into busy week

By SALLY FINNERAN

Bigfork golf looks for better weather

Unpleasant weather affected the Bigfork High School golfers last Tuesday a Mission Mountain Country Club in Ronan.

Bigfork resident turns 100

Maggie Pontius celebrated her 100th birthday last week in grand style.

Bigfork school board approves new special education plan

Bigfork Eagle

Bigfork creative writing students produce school's first literary magazine

Junior Isaac Passwater hunched over a table, sketching an illustration for a story about falling in love with the devil.

BLM out of control

Following is an excerpt from the official BLM Statement presented at the Nevada Bundy ranch demonstration this past week.  “The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.”

Letter: Landowners would bear brunt of free-roaming bison

Landowners would bear brunt of free-roaming bison

Letter: Commissioners should protect public access

Today I am taking some time to address a pressing issue that is of paramount importance and is near and dear to my heart.

Letter: Change has to come from the people, not the government

 Regardless of our political views, here are some questions in my opinion we each should think about, discuss among ourselves, and look at as we consider whether we live or die as a democracy, as an empowered nation, and as a free people.

School Board Elections

Paul Sandry, Dana Whitney and Wendy Miller are running for two open positions on the Bigfork school board.

Veterinarians at Flathead County Animal shelter invested in animal care

Leslie Haug opens up a kennel as she scoops up a black and white cat.

The war on drugs faces new threat: heroin

He found the heroin pipe near the children’s swingset.

Triplett ranked No. 7 in bull riding

Columbia Falls girls do well in track

Tennis teams battle winds at Cut Bank

Kats lose to Loggers on the road, busy week ahead

700 miles solo in Canadian wilderness

Elevated mercury levels found in Lake McDonald bull trout

Glacier Park's fundraiser partner releases strategic plan

Junior High students score well on SAT

C-Falls woman spearheading climate rally

EPA explains CFAC cleanup options

C-Falls boy named hospital champion

Questions for protesting environmentalists

On April 26, environmental groups are planning events in several Montana cities intended to encourage support for eliminating coal, oil and natural gas from Montana’s and the nation’s energy portfolio.

Vote yes for school levy

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on these days, it’s that this country is facing big challenges and will continue to be challenged in the future.

West Nile virus vaccinations recommended for horses

Horse owners should consult with their veterinarians to develop a vaccination plan for West Nile virus specific to their animal and situation, the Montana Department of Livestock advises.

Vets Home scores consistent 5-star rating

A five-star rating is nothing new for the Montana Veterans Home, according to administrator Joren Underdahl.

Sports news

All tournament basketball

Community news

Clean The Falls

Outdoor news

Forest planning

Glacier Park plows heading toward The Loop

School board of trustees election canceled

This year’s School District 6 board of trustees election has been canceled because the number of nominating petitions and write-in intent declarations was equal to the number of positions up for election.

Hungry Horse Dam to see major upgrades

The Bureau of Reclamation recently awarded a $5.5 million contract to Koontz Electric Company, Inc., of Morrilton, Ark., for electrical construction services at the Hungry Horse Dam.

FVCC election

We are both incumbent members of the Flathead Valley Community College Board of Trustees, and we are running for re-election to the board at the May 6 college election.

Political balloons

I stand by my April 14 approval of Republican Congressman Paul Ryan’s 102-page budget for fiscal year 2015, but “without the rhetoric.”

Clinic vandalism doesn't meet hate-crime test

C-Falls woman sentenced for operating a meth lab

Stanley Olafson

Stanley ‘Pete’ Robert Olafson, 75, passed away on April 15, 2014, surrounded by the people who loved him.

David Kauffman

David “Doc” Kauffman, 92, passed away April 14, 2014, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation.

Whitefish Mountain Resort announces season pass prices

Whitefish Mountain Resort has unveiled pass prices for the upcoming  2014-2015 winter ski season. Special low prices will be available through Sept. 30.

Railroad history collection donated to library

Earlier this week, I donated a significant portion of my collection of railroad history to the Whitefish Library. I thought it might be nice to let the community know this resource will be available there.

Clean water is key to business success

Our company, New Belgium Brewing Company, depends on clean water for our success. That’s why we’re pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency issued new draft rules for enforcement of the Clean Water Act last month.

Public access key to tourism

What do restaurants, motels, vacation rentals, gas stations, grocery and retail stores, plumbers and real estate agents have in common? Their owners and employees all depend heavily on tourism for survival. Lake County Commissioners, through the County Parks Board, have developed a draft management plan to help guide parks and recreation activities to support this economic engine for the next 10-20 years. The 120-page draft plan is available for review on-line and at the county’s libraries. The comment period ends April 30. If you enjoy walking, biking, fishing, boating, and swimming or your job depends on visitors to the area that participate in these activities, please comment.

Clarifying the tribal water lawsuit

Recent stories about a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes lawsuit contained several inaccuracies.

Letter to the editor: Zinke shows true colors in advertising

One of the character traits that we all try to examine when we consider which candidate we may wish to vote for is integrity. 

Bigfork High School golf gears up

This year’s Bigfork High School golf team is pretty green.

Bigfork High School track gets a slow start

Bigfork’s boys and girls track teams already have one meet under their belts but the season is just beginning.

Bigfork Tennis is young this season

This will be a building year for tennis.

Old Town Center gets new paint

Bigfork Eagle

Barn renovation

Albert Pete just can’t figure out what those benches in the upstairs hay loft were used for.

Community leaders discuss Bigfork marketing

The Bigfork Eagle and the Bigfork Promotion Group last week launched a community outreach program called “Which Way Bigfork.”

Flathead lakeshore variance

The Flathead County commissioners last week approved a major lakeshore variance that allows construction of a gravel beach to protect a property on the north shore of Flathead Lake in Bigfork.

Public access threatened on North Shore of Flathead Lake

Dave Hadden keeps a pulse on the north shore of Flathead Lake from his house on Holt Drive.

Creston auction continues tradition in 2014

The rhythm of an auctioneer’s voice calling out numbers, “Thirty, thirty, I’ve got thirty, do I hear thirty-five thirty-five, I’ve got thirty-five, do I hear forty forty…” blends with the sound of other auctioneers. Each auctioneer at the Creston Auction stands on a trailer platform that can be rolled down the rows of items covering the Creston school grounds.

Bigfork's competitve shotgun team

When long time shooter Jim Browne learned about the Scholastic Clay Target Program, he decided Bigfork needed a team.

Libby drops to Class B for sports

The Northwestern Class A conference is down to just four schools now that the Libby School Board voted this week to drop its sports programs to Class B next school year. All of Libby’s sports programs will drop to Class B except soccer.

Forest planning meetings scheduled

The Flathead National Forest will hold Forest Plan Revision Geographic Area Stakeholder Collaboration Meetings at the supervisor’s office, 650 Wolfpack Way, in Kalispell, on April 21-24 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Flathead murderer convicted of same in Alaska

The former Flathead man who pleaded guilty in the shooting death of Lorraine Kay Morin in 2008 has been found guilty of murdering another girlfriend — 12 years earlier and up north in Alaska.

Ronan golf invitational results

Ronan Invitational

Bigfork High School Tennis at Loyola Sacred Heart results

Vikings.

High School Track at Flathead High school

Flathead A Invitational

Supports trapping

I am 77 years old and if you sold everything I own, I doubt I am worth $1,000. When I was born, I had the freedom and the right to trap, which I have done since I was six years old.

Erik Johnson

Erik Alan Johnson, 44, passed away in Magnolia, Texas, on Feb. 22, 2014.

David Mentzer

David Wayne Mentzer, 65, passed away April 9, 2014, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

William Repnak

William “Bill” Robert Repnak, 83, passed away at his home in Lakeside on April 8, 2014, from a degenerative heart condition.

Gove, Jones champs at smoker

Getts starts strong in tennis

Win, lose, draw season start for Kats

A wilderness original

Second straight year of record skier numbers

Community news

Easter hunt

Outdoor news

Pond open

School district asking for $478,984 high school levy

At high school, enthusiasm for two-wheel traffic

Lyndell Mace

Lyndell Aubert Walker Mace died April 4, 2014 in Prescott, Ariz. She was born July 8, 1947 in Cut Bank, Mont. to George and Esther Aubert. She attended school in Columbia Falls and graduated in 1964.

Time to catch a rainbow

Want a fishing tip? Run, don’t walk, to your closest reservoir and start fishing near shore for a rainbow trout.

Academic endowment recognizes past achievements

There have been so many noteworthy achievements lately by our local high school students. Not only athletic excellence, but also many recent articles on yet another state championship for the speech and debate team, another high-octane stage performance, science fair triumphs, recognition to the state’s top mathematics student, the recent art showcase at Montana Coffee Traders, students attending the state math competition, accomplishments in music — excellence abounds at Columbia Falls High School.

Supports Mitchell for commissioner

I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for Phil Mitchell for Flathead County Commissioner. I have known Phil for over 30 years and know him to be honest, hard working, and a man of moral integrity. Phil will speak his mind and you will know where he stands. Phil is not afraid to ask questions when necessary.

Need senators support of North Fork

Thanks to our Congressional delegation, who unanimously support the North Fork Protection Act. Unfortunately, three senators from Texas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania seem to find that politics are more important than clean water. These three senators apparently know more about Montana’s future and desires than our own congressional delegation.

Montana's North Fork Flathead River

There’s something liberating about slipping a raft into a river in Western Montana. We are fortunate to have so many clean, free-flowing rivers nearby to enjoy with friends and family.

Qualified for the Flathead

Debbie R. Pierson is currently running for the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder position. Debbie has lived in Flathead County for over 30 years. Seven of those years she has dedicated to working for Flathead County, awarding her substantial time to build strong working bonds with department managers and others’ representing our county. She knows the communities, businesses and values of the amazing people in this great valley. Her commitment and integrity speaks for itself.

'Shooting range effect' hurts lot sales

The Columbia Falls City Council unanimously approved lowering the prices for lots at the city’s Cedar Creek North and South subdivisions during their April 7 meeting. Councilor Julie Plevel, a Realtor, was absent.

Glacier Park murderer to appeal sentence

Attorneys for the woman who pushed her husband to his death off a cliff in Glacier National Park are appealing her 30-year prison sentence, the Associated Press reports.

Glacier Park plows beyond Avalanche campground

Glacier National Park plow crews are now beyond the Avalanche Creek campground, working in the Red Rocks area on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

FWP reminds folks that grizzlies, black bears are awake

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks biologists are reminding folks that bears are awake and people should secure attractants like dog food, bird food, chickens feed and garbage.

Bigfork Tennis starts season against Glacier

The Glacier and Bigfork tennis teams locked up in a tight battle on Tuesday night, splitting a pair of matches.

Popular Elvis show returns to Bigfork, tracing star's rise to fame

Ryan Pelton didn’t set out to be a superstar.

Dentist Erin Price is a fifth-generation Montanan serving the community of Bigfork

Dr. Erin Price had a pretty idyllic life growing up in the small Montana town of Twin Bridges.

Fieldheads Coffee makes world-class espresso

Walk into Fieldheads Coffee Company in Creston and you can see the whole operation.

Mark Schiltz continues family tradition of saving open spaces

Bigfork Eagle

Bigfork superintendent chosen

The Bigfork Schools board of trustees named Matt Jensen as the new Bigfork superintendent of schools last week.

Columbia Falls woman homicide victim in California

A former Columbia Falls woman was the victim of a homicide in Richmond, Calif. last month. Tammie Baker, 43, was shot multiple times about 10 p.m. March 20 on the front walk at the corner of South Fourth and Florida Avenues, said Sgt. Nicole Abetkove, public information officer for the Richmond Police Department.

Oklahoma Sen. suggests transfer of North Fork lands to the state

The political saga continued last week over the North Fork Watershed Protection Act, as an Oklahoma Republican Senator revealed why he opposes the one-page bill and suggested that if the state really wants to protect the land, the federal government should give it to them.

Flathead Lacrosse Club kicks off season this week

Track season starts this weekend at home

Bike trail group focus now on Columbia Falls section

North Fork timber sale goes to bid

Forest Service payments heading to counties

Adventure tourism rapidly growing

EPA to present CFAC findings

Shooting range in C-Falls boasts high-tech simulator

Xanterra buys RV campground site

C-Falls alumna looking forward to law career

Masten is this year's featured quilter

Columbia Falls Stage Rd. repair not the final fix

Tribal chairman answers water-rights allegations

Recent stories about a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes-U.S. District Court water lawsuit contained several inaccuracies.

Tammie Baker

Evelyn Schulz

Sports news

Twins camp

Outdoor news

Wilderness talk

Community news

Lions Club

Obama speaks about improving education

The following remarks on opportunity for all were made by President Barack Obama at Bladensburg High School, Bladensburg, Md., on April 7, 2014.

Support Mitchell

We were pleased to learn that Phil Mitchell would be running for Flathead County Commissioner.

Calls for support of Constitutional Initiative 114

One hundred years ago in Montana, a great discussion, as great as the state itself, was taking place. To the citizens of the state was put forth the idea that women should have the right to vote. The state had been in existence for 25 years, and the nation a century longer, yet women were considered less qualified than former slaves in having a say electing those to public office.

Arvelva Hoyt

Arvelva Blanche (Howell) Hoyt, 98, way with her daughter Barbara and niece Mary by her side on April 3, 2014, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

FWP releases minimum wolf count for 2013

Study looks at new way to count wolves

Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act is refreshingly bipartisan

For more than 60 years, the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association has served as an important voice for the outfitting industry and as a key partner in decisions that effect the management of public land and wildlife resources.

Misinformation about trapping needs to stop

I’ve been an avid outdoorsman for more than 40 years — a hunter, fisherman, trapper and conservationist. I am proud of the work that like-minded folks have accomplished for wildlife and wildlife habitat. But I am saddened, too, that today I see so many of those accomplishments beginning to crumble, to be weakened and pulled apart by a small, misguided and misinformed sector of our society.

North Fork bill stopped by Republican senators

In a bit of political theater, the North Fork Watershed Protection Act failed to gain passage through the Senate today, April 3, as it was held up by an objection from Republican senators.

Yellowstone, Hellgate: Two Montana names

Call it 670 miles, or perhaps more precisely 674 miles, but either way the Yellowstone River remains the nation’s longest undammed waterway.

Gary Hanson

Gary Lynn Hanson, 67, passed away from heart surgery complications. on March 29, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

See Glacier Park on public TV

Three popular television documentaries about Glacier National Park will be broadcast on MontanaPBS in May.

Supreme Court loosens campaign finance limits

Ruling sparks demonstrations and sharp criticism

Bigfork Wrestling Club takes first at state meet

The Bigfork Wrestling Club won first place at the state club wrestling tournament last weekend in Kalispell.

Bigfork woman helps family's potato business thrive

In 1982, two seniors at Montana State University started dating. They had known of each other growing up in the Mission Valley. She was from Bigfork and he came from Pablo, but it wasn’t until college that they met.

Bold Colors: Bigfork artist Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey

Becoming recognized as one of the top Western artists in the country is no easy feat, Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey can attest.

Relay for Life important to Bigfork community

This summer we will celebrate Bigfork’s 10th “Relay for Life.”   

Volunteers help drive Riverbend Concert Series at Sliter Park

As the Riverbend Concert Series gears up for its 32nd season, the volunteer team seeks new members.

Birders flock to spring arrival or birds

A caravan of cars parked along the side of a dirt road near Creston Sunday. Outside the vehicles, about 20 people stood, binoculars pressed to their faces, observing birds in the open water beyond. A constant chatter ran through the group while they conferred with one another to confirm the species they were observing.

Glacier Bank donates river property to public

Glacier Bank has donated 30 acres along the Flathead River in Bigfork to Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation.

Bigfork Museum bridges art, local Bigfork history

Elmer Sprunger’s cartoon depictions of the lumberjack life are just one element adding extra color to “Timber!: Exploring the History and Art of the Timber Industry,” the current exhibit at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History.

State goes back to drawing board on Wayfarers Park plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is working with the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork to develop a new plan for Wayfarers State Park in Bigfork.

Solid waste meeting will cost county $17,000

Bigfork Eagle

Israeli visit drove home harsh realities

I wrote an opinion piece for Montana newspapers nearly nine years ago about a visit I had just returned from to Israel. The topic of that piece is more timely now than it was then.

EPA's proposed 'waters' rule is unreasonable

Last week, the American Farm Bureau Federation carefully reviewed the Environmental Protection Agency’s March 25 release of the “waters of the U.S.” proposed rule. The results of our review are dismaying.

High school swim team gets new life

Bad weather hampers tennis teams

Forest Service could offer more business permits

'Glamping' comes to the Flathead

Charged with stealing lottery tickets

Glacier Park hiker puts out hiking map

C-Falls man sentenced for sex with young girl

Utah couple purchase C-Falls Burger King

Co-op announces retail rate increase

Railroader running for commissioner

Hungry Horse motocross racing back on track

Elisa Thompson

Elisa M. (Boucher) Thompson, 50, of Columbia Falls, passed away March 27, 2014.

Arthur Anderson

Arthur Scott Anderson, 74, passed away on March 30, 2014, at the HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell.

Building tall with wood supports rural America

If we are serious about tackling climate change, then the solution may be found in building the city of tomorrow to look more like the city of yesterday. As glass and steel towers continue to rise, wood skyscrapers are likely to start sprouting alongside. Multi-story and high-rise wood buildings are already planned or rising in Europe and Canada. They are architecturally distinct, and they are made of the original green building material.  

Bobby Ogle