Ellington

Five plead guilty in Blackfeet fraud case

Po’ka Project was intended to help troubled Blackfeet children

Artists needed to help the Park

The Glacier National Park Conservancy will auction hiking sticks that have been decorated by student artists in grades 7-12 at schools across Northwest Montana to raise money for GNPC's work as a partner with the Park.

Services offered for blind

Losing vision is a very difficult adjustment for an adult but it isn’t the end of the world.  That’s why every year the Montana Association for the Blind sponsors a summer program held on the Carroll College campus in Helena to help adults adjust to vision loss.  The 2014 session will be held June 14 – July 12

College offers interesting symposium speakers

The Flathead Valley Community College Honors Symposium brings free lectures to the community to provide credible and substantive information on important topics of public interest.

Bigfork high school senior class fundraiser

The Bigfork High School class of 2014 will be holding a rummage sale fundraiser  March 1 at the Swan River Community Hall.

Glacier Institute hikes, class

Join The Glacier Institute March 1 for a short classroom session focusing on predator/prey relationships, evergreen plant species, and animals’ adaptations to winter.

Lower Valley birding tour

Explore the Lower Valley with Flathead Audubon and birder Craig Hohenberger on March 2.

Cinderella performance

CINDERELLA Performance

Bigfork opens with win at divisional tournament

 HAMILTON — The Bigfork boys on Thursday advanced to the Western B divisional championship game with a 70-41 dismantling of Missoula Loyola in the semifinals of the divisional tournament. 

Regulators call for stringent testing of oil shipped by rail

Federal regulators issued an emergency order Feb. 25 requiring more stringent testing of crude oil before shipment by rail to determine how susceptible the cargo is to explosion or fire.

Another step towards a healthier next generation

The following remarks about healthy foods and beverages were made by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on Feb. 28, 2014.

Compares Zinke to Nixon

I was thinking about the last several years and Ryan “Former Navy SEAL” Zinke.

Marlys Frey

Marlys J. Frey, 85, passed away Feb. 25, 2014, at HeathCenter Northwest in Kalispell, after a long battle with cancer.

Einar Samuell

Einar (Gislason) Samuell, 63, formerly of Columbia Falls, passed away Feb. 16, 2014, in Springfield, Ore.

The people should choose Senators, not governors

With the departure of Sen. Max Baucus from the U.S. Senate, Montana’s longest serving statewide elected official is Ed Smith. Never heard of him? Well, we have elected him Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court five times.

Spring Sing gathering steam

By David Vale

Thanks for the support

Agencies such as the Bad Rock Volunteer Fire and QRU Department are fortunate to have reliable people who give selflessly of their time and energy to provide needed services to their communities.

Bob Keenan enters state senate race

Politics, as Bob Keenan says, is local.

Juanita Bryant

Juanita Mae Bryant, 89, passed away Feb. 24, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

Obama should steer clear of Ukraine

President Obama insists he does not regard the conflict in Ukraine “as some Cold War chessboard in which we are in competition with Russia.”

Weather Service issues blizzard warning

Columbia Falls and the Bad Rock Canyon are under a blizzard warning for late tonight, Thursday, Feb. 27, through Friday and into Saturday as another strong arctic front is expected to bear down on the area.

Cellphone blamed for 3-vehicle crash near Polson

A 54-year-old Columbia Falls man and two other drivers are lucky they weren’t killed in a horrific three-vehicle crash north of Polson on Feb. 25 that could have been caused by cellphone use. All three drivers were wearing seat belts.

Snowboarder caught in Canyon Creek avalanche

A snowboarder was partially buried by an avalanche in the Canyon Creek drainage on Tuesday, Feb. 25,  just beyond the Whitefish Mountain Resort boundary, while riding with two friends.

Cynthia Martinez

Cynthia “Cindy” Lee Ellman Martinez, 57, passed away Feb. 21, 2014, at her residence in Kalispell, after a long, brave battle with brain cancer.

Delores Lampman

Delores May “Dolly” Lampman, 86, passed away peacefully at Brendan House in Kalispell on Feb. 23, 2014, surrounded by family.

Kats thump Libby to close unbeaten in conference

Cats drub Libby to close out regular season 14-4

Park proposes new Swiftcurrent Bridge

Climate change models forecast forest changes

Mandatory stops needed at Coram station

Service organization recognized for Park work

Landlord water billing ordinance voted down

CFAC's wastewater permit due for update

Sons of the sheriffs share their tales

Lake County considers new parks initiative

In summer, when the heat really gets cooking, the access to the Swan River in Ferndale is a very popular place.

Two men die in backcountry avalanches

A snowboarder in Waterton Lakes National Park and a snowmobiler on the Montana-Idaho border were recently killed in backcountry avalanches.

Free movie showing

The Museum at Central School, 124 Second Avenue East, in Kalispell, will host a free showing of “Where God Likes to Be,” a new documentary movie by local filmmaker Nicolas Hudak on Friday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m.

Railroad association offers voluntary oil train measures

Railroads that haul volatile crude shipments have reached an agreement with U.S. transportation officials to adopt wide-ranging, voluntary safety measures after a string of explosive and deadly accidents.

Scenic values should be preserved

I’d like to briefly address issues I feel are important to aspects of the ongoing Flathead National Forest Plan revision.

Questions oil train story's facts

The front-page story with bold large headlines, telephoto images of “tankers,” full and empty; graphic fireball and dark clouds of smoke. Wow. What a message. I suppose the primary one the authors were seeking was the subliminal message that results from such images and verbiage.

Obamacare a perverse benefit of citizenship

The op-ed by James Ahrens on Dec. 22 extolled the virtues of Obamacare and implored us to give it a chance. Trouble is to do so requires that we sacrifice our individual freedom and liberty.

More wilderness or good stewardship

Many opinions have recently been expressed extolling the merits of Sen. Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act. However, there are other aspects to this legislation that need to be brought forth.

Big Mtn could change uphill travel policy

Whitefish Mountain Resort is considering a change to its uphill travel policy after two skiers were caught in a closed area where Big Mountain Ski Patrol personnel were using avalanche explosives.

North Fork watershed protection moving closer

After four decades of collaborative effort, protection of the watershed of the North Fork of the Flathead River from mineral or energy development is almost a reality.

Man shot, killed near East Glacier following high-speed pursuit

A 71-year-old Helena-area man was shot and killed during an armed standoff with law enforcement officers near East Glacier.

FWP to hold 'bucket biology' hearing Feb. 24

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold a public hearing about the unauthorized placement of live fish into public waters, what’s commonly called “bucket biology,” at its Region 1 offices on Meridian Road, in Kalispell, on Monday, Feb. 24, starting at 7 p.m.

Winter promises to hang on through end of February

The National Weather Service in Missoula is calling for a winter blast this weekend, particularly for the area from Polson down to the southern Bitterroot Valley, where even valley locations could see a foot of snow. Places like Lolo Pass could see upwards of two feet of snow.

Census results tell story of unlimited potential in rural America

The following remarks about agriculture in America were made by U.S. Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on Feb. 21, 2014.

BNSF Railway plans to buy new oil tanker cars

BNSF Railway officials announced Feb. 20 that it intends to buy a fleet of 5,000 strengthened tank cars to haul oil and ethanol

Cold weather forces Plum Creek cut backs

Montana farm production sees big gains

The average value of farm production in Montana increased 59.1 percent since 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service. Nationwide, the average value increased by 38.8 percent.

Supports CSKT water compact

The 1979 Montana Legislature passed legislation requiring the state to negotiate a quantification of the water rights claimed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes (CSKT) as prescribed in the 1855 Hellgate Treaty.

Filling a need for mental health services here

Avalanche danger high as more snow falls

The Flathead Avalanche Center has issued a special avalanche bulletin for Feb. 20-23 advising backcountry travelers of elevated avalanche danger through the weekend.

Winter Classic kicks off in Whitefish March 6

The annual Winter Classic will return to Whitefish on Thursday through Sunday, March 6-9. The charity event features well-known college and NFL football players and raises money to assist Northwest Montana families with pediatric medical-related costs not covered by insurance.

Snow in the forecast through Sunday

Snow is in the forecast for the next four days, with 3 to 5 inches possible in the Flathead on Thursday and winds from the southwest from 8 to 18 mph.

Floretta Brook

Floretta Jean Brook, 74, passed away Feb. 17, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

There's an alternative to the imperial presidency

In his State of the Union speech to Congress last month, President Obama drew widespread attention for pledging to use his executive authority to advance his priorities. He insisted he intends to act with or without Congress, and listed well over a dozen actions he plans to take by executive order.

Powder River country offers picturesque Montana prairie

The following is the sixth installment of the “This is Montana” series from the University of Montana. This account was written by Rick and Susie Graetz, of the University of Montana’s Department of Geography.

Clarence Wolfe

Clarence Riley Wolfe, 83, died Feb. 14, 2014, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Cats down Chiefs, Bulldogs

Kats crush Maidens, Lady Dogs

Roberts nabs third straight state title

Sniffing out trouble

Daines hopeful highway bill will pass this year

Economic development 'too good to be true'

Local senior center could use some help

North Valley Eagles celebrate 30 years here

Outdoor news

Ranger speaks

Montana needs more high-paying jobs

The following remarks about jobs and the economy were made by Rep. Steve Daines on Feb. 18, 2014.

AP review looks at oil train spills

According to an Associated Press review of U.S. and Canadian accident records, freight trains hauling oil across North America have derailed at least 10 times since 2008, and most of the accidents touched off fires or catastrophic explosions.

Economists see positive signs for Flathead County

Flathead County is a player in bullish growth projections for Montana made by state economists at the annual Economic Outlook forum in Kalispell on Feb. 14.

24-hour taxi service returns to Flathead

Shawn Giles

Shawn Schara Giles, 36, of Fort Benton, passed away Feb. 14, 2014, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, with loved ones gathered around.

Zinke benefiting from Super PAC he created

Former state senator Ryan Zinke, a U.S. House candidate in Montana, is benefiting from a political action committee he created, leading at least one opponent and some experts to question the legality of the peculiar arrangement.

About the Beer Barter event

The events leading to the cancellation of this year’s Great Northern Beer Barter were unfortunate. In order to meet all of the conditions set forth by the Whitefish City Council for the Beer Barter’s Special Event permit, we were required to sign an indemnification provision. As our insurance company stated, had we signed the provision, we would have been “uninsurable.”

Two more DUI arrests results in felony sentence

A 30-year-old Lakeside woman who unsuccessfully appealed her Columbia Falls City Court conviction for DUI No. 2 to district court in 2012 recently pleaded guilty to felony DUI after she was arrested and charged for DUI two more times.

Woman arrested for Hungry Horse homicide

A 55-year-old woman has been arrested on a preliminary charge of deliberate homicide after she allegedly shot and killed her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

Jean Kanzler

Jean M. Kanzler, 88, passed away at Livingston Health and Rehab on Feb. 11, 2014.

Gerald Downing

Gerald “Jerry” Delano Downing, 73, “went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ” on Jan. 31, 2014, in Kalispell, surrounded by his loved ones.

Canadian skier dies in Big Mountain tree well

A man from Alberta was found dead in a tree well at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Sunday, Feb. 16.

Avalanche hits snowmobilers in Canyon Creek

Four people on snowmobiles made it out safely on Saturday, Feb. 15, after an avalanche partially buried them in the Canyon Creek drainage just north of Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Dorothy Junge

Dorothy May McConville Junge, 89, passed away Feb. 10, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Julie Ann Bell

Julie Ann Bell, 49, of Columbia Falls, passed away Feb. 10, 2014, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

William Aldridge

William “Bill” Eugene Aldridge, 61, formerly of Rupert, Idaho, died Jan. 26, 2014.

Supports Zinke

In response to Ben Long’s letter regarding Ryan Zinke’s “tirade,” as he called it, against the federal government in his patriotic and uplifting speech at Marina Cay in Bigfork, I feel it necessary to address my take on that evening’s commentary, as I was there.

Morris Houle

Morris Robert Houle, 81, of Niarada, died of natural causes on Feb. 12, 2014, at Northwest Health Center, in Kalispell.

New farm bill is an investment in rural America

The following remarks about the 2014 Farm Bill were made by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

Supports Mitchell

I have known Phil Mitchell, candidate for Flathead County Commissioner, a long time. His tireless efforts on behalf of the community and its people have been remarkable.

Libby judge rules 24/7 program unconstitutional

Montana’s 24/7 sobriety program is unconstitutional, Lincoln County District Court Judge James Wheelis ruled Feb. 5 in Libby.

The lethal legacy of U.S. foreign intervention

Americans seem to believe that once the U.S. military exits a foreign country, its moral accountability ends. But the deadly consequences — and culpability — continue long after the last soldier leaves.

Watchdog group sues county over growth policy

Citizens for a Better Flathead announced Feb. 13 that it’s pressing ahead with a lawsuit against Flathead County over how amendments were made to the Flathead County Growth Policy.

Special advisory issued: Avalanche danger is high

The Flathead Avalanche Center issued a backcountry avalanche warning for the entire advisory area on Friday, Feb. 13.

Olga Hoerner

Olga Schwenke Hoerner peacefully passed away on Feb. 5, 2014, in Shoreline, Wash.

Elda Griffey-Petersen

Elda Rae (Coverdell) Griffey-Petersen, 71, passed away in Pocatello, Idaho, on Feb. 5, 2014, with her three surviving children — Darrel Ray Griffey, Dawne Griffey and Tracy Griffey-Bixby — and her husband Gerald “Pete” Petersen, all of Pocatello, at her bedside.

Obama explains raising minimum wage for federal workers

The following remarks by President Barack Obama about an executive order raising the minimum wage for federal workers was made in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 12, 2014.

New boat decals required

Owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft need to get new, free 2014-2017 validation decals for their watercraft soon. The current orange decals expire Feb. 28.

Nordic Club sets race at Blacktail Mountain crosscountry trails

Bigfork Eagle

Hunter education class set for Bigfork

Hunter Education Classes have been scheduled for a number of communities in northwest Montana. All hunter education classes are free of charge.  

Montana Special Olympics returns to Whitefish Feb. 23

Bigfork Eagle

Exciting times in education

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”

Republicans need to devise ideas instead of bashing democrats

An open letter to Republicans:

Stream access ruling a victory for Montanans

By JOHN GIBSON

Bigfork woman gets eight years for robbery

A Bigfork woman is headed to prison for eight years, followed by 22 years of probation, after robbing a store in 2012 trying to rob another in 2013.

Anthony Robert Lloyd DePratu

Anthony Robert Lloyd DePratu

Flathead County solid waste district postpones vote on new leader

The Flathead County Solid Waste Board delayed naming its new chair at its regular meeting last week.

Annual Bigfork bird count sees record numbers

Bigfork Eagle

Guitarist Diego Figueiredo comes to Bigfork

Bigfork Eagle

After-school program moves into former Viki's Montana Classics building

The ACES after-school program has a new home.

Bigfork High School takes second at state speech, debate, drama meet

Bigfork Eagle

Man with rifle causes commotion in Bigfork

Bigfork residents were up in arms last week over a man they say was a danger to the community despite comments to the contrary by Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry.

School district hires firm for superintendent search

Bigfork Eagle

Grizzly Jacks casino sold to Texas couple

Bigfork Eagle

Obama speaks about new Cybersecurity Framework

President Barack Obama issued the following statement about the Cybersecurity Framework on Feb. 12, 2014.

A new idol

Here’s my thought for the day.

James Poor

James Dale Poor, 77, of Kalispell, passed away Feb. 3, 2014.

Matcats take Northwest A crown

Kats hold off Valkyries, crush Lady Pirates

Cats split on the road, Vikes have their number again

Canyon bike path group signs $754,757 contract

Arctic freeze stills Lake McDonald

Local firefighters respond to three house fires

Blue Moon Nite Club incident lands man in prison

Glacier Park is ignoring air pollution

Sports news

Dorothy Nelson

Dorothy Ellen Nelson, 85, of Columbia Falls, passed away Feb. 8, 2014, at Brendan House in Kalispell with her three children at her side.

'Winter's New World'

Plea agreement reached for DUI No. 4

Baucus leaves a regrettable legacy on energy, taxes

When President Obama announced that he would nominate Sen. Max Baucus as ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, he raised expectations that Montana’s longest serving senator would play a key role in relations with a country whose economic output is second only to our own.

Bullock chooses new lieutenant governor

Gov. Steve Bullock announced Monday, Feb. 10, that he has chosen Angela McLean, of Anaconda, a school teacher and the current chairwoman of the Montana Board of Regents, to be the new Montana lieutenant governor.

Gambling figures down for the state, higher here

Preliminary tax figures from the state Gambling Control Division show revenue from gambling video machines for the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 fell about 2 percent statewide compared to the same period one year earlier.

Raise the minimum wage

People who work deserve fair payment. That is an American value. If you pay attention to people taking your orders, waiting on you or otherwise working in low-wage jobs, you know that not all of them are young people.

Former sheriff's employee sentenced for embezzlement

A former Flathead County Sheriff’s Office employee was given a 10-year suspended sentence for embezzling more than $90,000 from the sheriff’s office’s employees association.

Louis Nicoson

Louis Nicoson, 68, formerly of Columbia Falls, died Jan. 27, 2014, in Mesa, Ariz. He was retired.

Opposes griz hunting

Concerning the future of grizzly bears in the Lower 48, I’d like to address an issue of great concern to myself and others in this great state and country of ours.

Zinke ready to accept new challenge in Congress

U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke made the following remarks during a campaign filing event at the VFW Hall in Whitefish on Feb. 8, 2014.

Love in the winter

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we bring you those wonderful love birds — great horned owls. That’s right. The fiercest, most aggressive, most impressive owl in North America as a symbol of Valentine’s Day.

Bullock names Walsh to the U.S. Senate

Gov. Steve Bullock appointed Lt. Gov. John Walsh on Feb. 7 to represent Montana in the U.S. Senate.  Walsh, 53, said he’ll travel to Washington, D.C., on Feb. 10 and be sworn in the next day.

A year of significant changes for Glacier Park

Three Glacier National Park leaders described a year of big changes ahead for a gathering at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish hosted by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 6.

MDT compiles the true cost of a DUI

DUI No. 4 charge reduced to criminal endangerment

Bigfork Vikings defeat Whitefish, St. Ignatius

The Bigfork Vikings didn’t disappoint their fans during their first week as the state’s top-ranked Class B team.

Tips for driving in the snow and ice

The following tips for driving in the snow and ice were provided by Brad Hilliard, a public affairs specialist for State Farm Insurance.

Hungry Horse man sentenced on meth charge

Three points about Democrats

In response to Bob McClellan’s letter in the Daily Inter Lake dated Jan. 31, “Republicans need to clean up act,” as an independent voter, I take exception to your letter and will take a moment to disagree.

Zinke's zealotry

Ryan Zinke should curb his tone if he wants to be known as a person who serves the public instead of his own political ends.

Train trips to paradise: Montana in the railroad, homestead eras

After all these non-mechanized years, Montana had railroads in the 1880s. Montanans were, literally, transported. The railroads mark a fundamental turning point, the greatest historical watershed in Montana history. All but ending the captivating river and wagon trades, they linked Montana to vital national markets. They opened the territory (and soon the state) to outside investment and exploitation. They goosed economic growth and development.

Bus Driver Tour band playing at Cabin Fever Days

The Bus Driver Tour band, which plays each year at the Fourth Of July celebration in Polebridge, will be in the Canyon for Cabin Fever Days this year.

Vals pick up two wins over Whitefish, St. Ignatius

Bigfork Eagle

Give America a raise?

President Obama said something especially perplexing when he implored Congress during his State of the Union address to “Give America a raise.”

USDA's Climate Hubs: Providing targeted solutions to modern challenges

America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners face a complex and ever-changing threat in the form of a changing and shifting climate. The past three years alone have brought some of the most severe and devastating floods, droughts and fires our nation has experienced in recent history.

Farm bill headed to White House, PILT money included

After several years of setbacks, the U.S. Senate approved a sweeping farm bill by 68-32 and sent it to President Obama on Feb. 4. The House passed the bill earlier, and White House staff said the President will sign the bill on Feb. 7.

MatCats end season 22-2 in duals

Kats overcome slow starts, cruise to wins

Wildcats thump Lions and Loggers

C-Falls girls compete at Idaho meet

Study finds niche market for bike tours

Blackfeet wildland fire lawsuit not settled

GPI not quite out of the Park

Uptown zoning workshop turns to brainstorming

This Robin makes the kitchen sing

Bradshaw offered superintendent position

C-Falls speakers take 9th straight state title

Cabin Fever Days returns to Canyon Feb. 14-16

The 36th annual Cabin Fever Days will take place on Friday through Sunday, Feb. 14-16, in Martin City, Hungry Horse and Coram.

Protecting sage grouse from the Endangered Species Act

One could debate whether the recent recommendations by Gov. Steve Bullock’s Greater Sage Grouse Advisory Council went too far to protect the bird or not far enough. There certainly have been concerns expressed from both camps. However, one thing is certain — the best way to protect the bird and the people that share its habitat is to keep the sage grouse off the Endangered Species Act list.

North Fork watershed bill clears committee

Robert Beck

Robert DePratu

Wilderness advocates need to tell their stories

Atheist group appeals Jesus statue ruling

A Wisconsin-based atheist group has appealed last year’s federal district court decision that allowed a statue of Jesus to remain on the side of Big Mountain inside Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Zinke calls Clinton the 'anti-Christ,' gains national attention

Calling former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the “anti-Christ” has gained Republican U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke some national media attention.

Brutal cold winds forecasted for Western Montana

The National Weather Service in Missoula warns that the next winter storm to impact the Northern Rockies region will present multiple threats over the course of several days.

Flathead real estate market continues to rebound

Dean's lists

McKenna Emmerich and Ariel Ramstad, of Columbia Falls, were named to the President’s List at Gonzaga University, in Spokane, Wash., for fall semester 2013. Students must earn a 3.7 to 4.0 grade-point average to be listed.

Clyde Fauley

Clyde Montana Fauley, passed away Jan. 29, 2014, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Gerald Downing

Gerald D. Downing, 73, died Jan. 31, 2014, in Kalispell.