Ellington

Rain forecasted for the weekend

Spectators at Saturday’s soccer and football playoff games in Columbia Falls should expect a shower or two. The National Weather Service in Missoula forecasts some rain on Saturday during the day, but the heaviest precipitation is expected overnight on Saturday and into Sunday.

Lora Hanks

Lora L. Hanks, 72, a former Columbia Falls resident, died in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 28, 2014.

Obama still does a good imitation of Bush

We really should be used to this by now. After almost six years in office, President Obama is far more like George W. Bush in national-security matters than he led the American people to believe.

Bullock announces Ebola potocols for Montana

Gov. Steve Bullock announced Oct. 31 the adoption of new state health agency protocols for Montanans who have returned from Ebola-affected regions in western Africa, or who may have come in contact with a person infected with the virus.

Bear theft

To the thieves of the Bad Rock Books Cancer Awareness Bear:

Appeals court denies 'dark money' group's request

A two-judge panel from the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a Billings-based political group’s request to keep the names of its donors secret for campaign ads it wants to publish before Election Day.

Universities issue apology letter about campaign mailers

Political practices commissioner wants a full investigation

Time for an Endangered Species Act makeover

Farmers, ranchers and environmentalists all agree that we must protect and recover wildlife facing preventable extinction. The Endangered Species Act is not getting that job done, however, and is long overdue for a makeover.

Wounded Marias Pass grizzly found dead

A grizzly bear wounded by an elk hunter near Marias Pass was found dead Oct. 28 about 150 yards from where it was shot, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials report. Not far away was the carcass of a poached moose that likely prompted the animal to attack.

Michael Islas

Michael Islas, 50, died Oct. 26, 2014, after a hard fight with cancer.

Valkyries seeded second heading into district tourney

After two wins last week, Bigfork volleyball will head to the district tournament in Troy on Saturday seeded second in the conference, behind Thompson Falls.

Bigfork speech and debate season begins

The Bigfork High School Speech and Debate team opened their season on Saturday in Polson.

Vikings play Deer Lodge in first round of state playoffs

Bigfork football claimed their sixth-straight district championship on Friday in a 48-0 win over Thompson Falls.

Bigfork soccer season ends after hard-fought game against Corvallis

Bigfork’s soccer season ended Saturday when the Vikings lost 3-1 to Corvallis in the state semifinals.

Community Players president reflects on first show

I’m not sure what motivated the Bigfork Community Players to recruit me to their board of directors and then to elect me as president, but I’ll have to say that, slightly over six months into office, I’m having the time of my life.

How much are you willing to pay for EPA's rules?

Too little attention has been paid to the costs and benefits of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to regulate emissions from power plants. A recent series of presentations by Gov. Steve Bullock’s office on his plans for implementing the EPA’s rules focused on the technical aspects of different compliance scenarios — but there was virtually no discussion of the costs of those scenarios, nor what the EPA’s rule would accomplish overall.

Political group seeks 'dark money' status in court

A Helena-based political group seeking to prevent Montana Commissioner Political Practices Jon Motl, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox, and the Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office from enforcing Montana’s campaign finance laws has appealed an Oct. 22 ruling and taken the case to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Zinke says lesson learned in travel expense audit

U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke addressed declining marks in two areas related to travel expenses in his recently released military records.

Some thoughts on governing

I have been working in or around government for more than 50 years, and if you asked me to boil down what I’ve learned to one sentence, it is this: Governing is much harder work than most people imagine. This doesn’t excuse its lapses or sluggish rate of progress, but it does help explain them.

Abolish the income tax and IRS

For some time now we’ve lived with the scourge of civil asset forfeiture, under which the police can seize a person’s property on the mere suspicion it was used in a crime and without having to charge the owner with an offense. Since the authorities have no burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the burden of proving innocence falls on the hapless citizen who wishes to recover his property. Amazingly, people describe as free a society that features this outrage.

Mom calls for awareness at school bus stops

Wildcats end regular season at 7-1

Spikers down Lady Pirates, go 7-0 in league

Triplett takes fifth at World Finals

Mundel wins state cross-country title

Speakers win opening meet

Strouse's hat trick leads Kats over Rams in historic win

Wolf take by landowners lower than expected

SmartLam outgrowing its C-Falls site

Council approves Meadow Lake Resort subdivision

Pawnshop law proposed

Love Inc. ready to serve community needs

Lee Henry Eslick

Lee Henry Eslick, 52, passed away Oct. 19 at his home in Bigfork.  

Flathead Lake Brewing Company crafts ale to benefit ALS research

A special brew hit the taps Friday at Flathead Lake Brewing Company to help raise money for ALS research.

Cal Scott: who is the 'we' behind Mitchell campaign?

GOP- Gone Off Path?

The first Lutefisk dinner honored soldiers return

Youngest of Bigfork clan passes away

Jay Eslick will always remember the fun he had with his little brother, Lee.

PacifiCorp outlines cleanup details at Bigfork hydroelectric facility

There’s more work to be done cleaning up contaminated soil in the Swan River near the Bigfork powerhouse.

New pre-school opens in Bigfork

Bigfork has a new full-day preschool.

Commission chair delays talks on water compact

Flathead County commissioner Pam Holmquist has postponed the commissioners’ discussion and public comment session planned Wednesday on the proposed tribal water rights compact.

Joe Lawrence

Joe Lawrence finished his allotted time on earth to go on to his next assignment on October 14, 2014.  He lived in Swan Lake from birth, and could not have been enticed to leave.   He was an avid outdoorsman,  a true mountain man, and  is off to run his next trap line.  Joe spent his years as a logger, forester, wildland fire fighter and a passionate hunter, fisherman,  and

Natural resources

I live with my family in Polebridge, on the west side of the Rockies, and my brother and his family live on the Rocky Mountain Front outside of Augusta. We are strong supporters of every measure, law or initiative that helps to maintain these and all of the other areas adjacent to them in the most pristine condition possible.

Wounded grizzly creates hazard at Marias Pass

Officials from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are warning hunters and other recreationists to beware of a wounded grizzly bear in Hunting District 415 near Marias Pass. Hunters should take extra caution while hunting and removing animals from the field.

An open letter to the voters and citizens of Montana

The following letter was sent to Montana Secretary of State Linda McCulloch and Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl.

Thieves violate trust in community

To the citizens of Columbia Falls: Lock down anything you may have outdoors or even in your autos.

Charles 'Tony' DuMay

Supports O'Neil

I would like to take this opportunity to support Republican Jerry O’Neil for House District 3. Jerry is a patriot. Jerry is a staunch supporter of individual private property rights, keeping the size of government in check, utilizing our natural resources, fighting for our water rights, keeping government out of our lives, protecting our pocketbooks and supporting our Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

A look back at the company town that never was

Audubon recognizes John Frederick

Solid opener for whitetails in Northwest Montana

Hunters took to the field across Northwest Montana for the opening weekend of the general deer and elk season on  Saturday and Sunday.

Outdoor news

State parks plan

Community news

Graduation matters

Likes Mitchell

I want to thank Phil Mitchell for his gentlemanly, professional behavior. Phil did not become involved in the debacle of his opponent’s admitted voter fraud or her subsequent drama of excuses, blame and bizarre accusations.

Zinke asks for your vote

Montana’s next Congressman will soon be chosen, and it is vital that our next representative will fight to do what is best for our state and for our nation.

Treasonous candidate

There he goes again: “I will not stand with President Obama.”

Tribes want Badger-Two Medicine oil leases canceled

Representatives from three tribes in Canada and one in Montana that make up the Blackfoot Confederacy are calling on the U.S. government to cancel oil and gas leases on land near Glacier National Park that they consider sacred.

Campaign mailer was a political science experiment

In what sounds like a plot from an eerie science fiction movie, a campaign mailer recently sent to Montana voters with information about this year’s Montana Supreme Court justice candidates was part of an experiment conducted by researchers at Stanford University and Dartmouth College.

Federal judge blocks last-minute campaign rules change

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen ruled against a Helena nonprofit group on Oct. 22, blocking their attempt to prevent Montana Commissioner Political Practices Jon Motl, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox, and the Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office from enforcing Montana’s campaign finance laws.

House candidates debate the issues

Sentence appealed in Glacier Park murder

An attorney for a newlywed bride who pushed her husband off a cliff in Glacier National Park last year has appealed her second-degree murder conviction in federal court.

Wreaths for vets

Recently I visited 173 businesses in the Columbia Falls area asking for donations for Wreaths Across America. I received overwhelming support for the project. Business owners and staff were very courteous and appreciative that would spend my time to acquaint the business community of this nationwide project.

Margie Miller

Margie “Marge” Luella (Blair) Miller, 91, passed away Oct. 21, 2014, in Kalispell.

Supports Daines

Montana needs representatives in Washington that look out for our best interests. Montanans love to hunt and fish, but we also need access to good schools and strong infrastructure. We need good-paying jobs.

Supports VanDyke

From a qualifications standpoint, there are many great reasons to support Lawrence VanDyke for Supreme Court Justice. Lawrence isn’t a slicked-down trial lawyer in a three-piece suit. He’s an everyday Montanan, steeped in the culture of our state. He also happens to be one of the finest judicial minds this state has ever produced, graduating at the top of his class from Harvard Law School.

Two men sentenced for deer poaching

Two 21-year-old Kalispell men were recently sentenced in Flathead County Justice court for poaching 10 white-tailed deer in the Farm-to-Market Road area in December 2013.

Sixth administer sentenced in Blackfeet fraud case

Fraud involved program aimed at helping at-risk youths

Local governments explain 911 ballot issue

Beginning in 2009, Flathead County and the cities of Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls have been involved in a successful local government partnership to consolidate emergency dispatch arid communication services.

Federal land transfer idea is fiscally irresponsible

In a recent op-ed, Sen. Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, suggests that a Utah county commissioner, Nevada state legislators and a Canadian negotiator know what’s best for us here in Montana. I’d like to think Montanans know what’s best for Montana. While transferring federal lands into state hands may be of interest to some people outside the state, it’s certainly not in our interest. Far from it.

Logging project proposed near Jewel Basin

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has proposed to harvest about 250,000 board feet of timber near the Broken Leg and Crater Notch trails near the Jewel Basin.

Better local control needed to protect water quality

Something needs to be done about pollution in the Flathead Basin, and that it’s likely going to take local action, not state or federal agencies.

Scout project puts color, geography on school playground

Students at Bigfork Elementary School now have a new learning resource right on their school playground. 

Forum an opportunity to meet candidates

On Monday, Oct 6th, It was my privilege to attend the Bigfork Candidate Forum at the Bigfork Elementary School cafeteria which was co-hosted by the Bigfork Eagle and three Bigfork High School students. This was an excellent chance for me to learn about the candidates for Senate District five and the Flathead County Commission. 

Commissioner race an example of politics

Our political system today is disheartening. We don’t trust politicians, or their motivations for seeking public office. We don’t trust the system or the hidden forces that affect it – and it’s no wonder that we don’t. You only have to look as far as the details of this Commissioner race for examples of why we have lost faith in the system.

Looking back: Early days of the Playhouse

Valkyries win first district crosscountry championship

Bryn Morley and Makena Morley crossed the finish line together on Friday at the Mission Mountain Golf course in Ronan, leading the Bigfork girls to their first crosscountry team title under the leadership of the two sisters.

Vikings advance to state semifinals

The Vikings beat Livingston 2-1 last Saturday to advance to the semifinal round of the Class A state soccer playoffs.

Valkyries lose hard fight against Thompson Falls

The Valkyries volleyball team added another loss and another win to their season record last week.

Vikings to play for district championship and playoff spot

Friday’s home football game is a big one.

Community Players open the Odd Couple Friday

Michele Shapero is no novice when it comes to entertainment.  

Spikers nab conference title

Strouse leads Kats to 5-0 playoff win

Cats blank Loggers, 73-0

Mundel smokes competition at NWA championship

Triplett wins rodeo held on a California beach

Group sues over failure to list wolverines

South Fork timber sales still await court ruling

Deer illegally shot and wasted

Polebridge Merc hosts new trail

Charges dropped in Park shooting

Cell phones, cars and teens don't mix

Plea deals reached in pot grow

Bradshaw delivers no-holds-barred speech

Treating injured birds across the valley

Mining makes a comeback in Old Bannack

Bannack placer mining picked up again in the spring of 1866. Because water was needed to flush out the placer deposits, the first miners in the gulch ignored gravel that was too far from the creek. Now ditches were built to extend the workings beyond the streambed.

Babcock swims well with Wave Ryders at meet

Canyon trail on track for next year

DUI charge amended through plea deal

Planning board apprised of TIF process

Homeowners unite

For the past several years, the taxes that go to support cities, school districts, counties and our state government have become a major burden on homeowners.

Exposing corruption in Montana's highest court

Imagine for a moment that unfortunately you’re in court, and just before your lawyer starts to speak, your opponent’s lawyer says, “Wait a moment.” He walks up to one of the judges and says, “Here’s a $25,000 check for your re-election campaign,” then turns around, smiles at your lawyer and says, “Go ahead and continue.” 

Supports Schnebel

Voting is a civic duty, a privilege, and a right. Casting the right vote for the right person is an individual decision based on information that should be provided by a candidate to the voting public.

Zinke supports increasing public land access

Hunting and outdoor recreation play an essential role in Montana’s economy. Montana has hunting and outdoor opportunities that other states can only dream of — and Ryan Zinke will work to increase those opportunities by increasing public access to public land, working to open public road closures, and giving Montana more input in management decisions. Ryan Zinke will make sure that future generations can continue the hunting traditions handed down through the generations.

Lula Hula

Lula Ness Hula, 91, passed away Oct. 19, 2014, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

A clear choice or more of the same?

On Nov. 4, Flathead Valley residents will have the opportunity to exercise their civic duty and vote. I hope that everyone will take the opportunity to educate themselves on the candidates and the issues.

School news

Jazz festival

Outdoor news

Wilderness auction

Community news

Smorgasbord

Support Mitchell

With two of Democrat Stacy Schnebel’s main supporters being Bill Baum and Cal Scott, what could possibly go wrong?

Cross country

Columbia Falls High School hosted the 2014 Northwestern A Conference Cross Country Championship race at Glacier View Golf Course on Oct. 18.

For Lewis

The two Montana candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives are as different as day and night, and they have been eagerly telling us so with campaign advertisements.

Goats and dust

This is the story of two scientific studies regarding Glacier National Park and how Park officials reacted to them.

Voting in the city limits

As a seasonal resident and property owner within Whitefish city limits, and a full-time resident of the state of Tennessee, where I am a registered voter, I’m delighted to learn in the opinion of Stacey Schnebel, as demonstrated by her actions, that it’ll be OK for me to vote in Whitefish city elections even though I live elsewhere.

Go out and vote

It’s election time folks, and we have the privilege of getting out and voting as a responsible citizen. We have some excellent canidates running for office. They have proven themselves to be hard-working, honest citizens who have the best interest of how the taxpayers’ money should be spent.

For Mitchell

Our family has been part of Flathead County for five generations. We love it here, have a grandchild growing up here, other grandchildren and family who visit here often, and expect to spend the rest of our days here.

Warns about hand-picked county candidate

I have known Stacey Schnebel for nearly a decade. I have worked with her on many community projects. I have seen her raise two beautiful children while building two successful businesses, and still find time to support multiple community causes.

Unhappy with corporations in current election law

Some campaign literature was left on my doorstep that really raises a lot of questions. The literature was paid for by Republican Headquarters PAC, Leonard Falk, Treasurer, P.O. Box 10243, Kalispell MT 59904.

Helen Morris

Helen May Morris, 97, passed away of natural causes at her home in Whitefish on Oct. 15, 2014.

Not a 'wannabe'

Stacey Schnebel, candidate for Flathead County commissioner is definitely not a “wannabe,” as so called by Rick Blake in his letter to the editor. She is an “is,” as in:

Business and tourism background an asset

I believe that Stacey Schnebel is an ideal candidate for our open Flathead County Commission seat and urge you to vote for her.

More Jerrys needed

Any candidate hiding behind a scathing commentary like that leveled at popular Rep. Jerry O’Neil certainly idenifies himself as one who would do or say anything to promote his own candidacy.

Academy kicks off for outdoor athletes

Democrat wants a hard look at the issues

Republican says he'll talk more to the public

Only two ballot issues in this year's election

Carolyn Hart

Carolyn Arlyne Mohn Hart, 82, passed away Oct. 12, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from heart and lung failure. She passed on peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Lucille Countryman

Lucille Countryman, 92, passed away Oct. 15, 2014, in Anaheim, Calif.

Money allegedly paid to promote CSKT compact

An outspoken property rights advocate has persuaded the Flathead County Commissioners to hold a public hearing on the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes draft water compact.

GOP - Gone Off Path?

Recently, I am reminded of our 1960s Rockefeller, Goldwater and Nixon political tornado. Eventually, Ronald Reagan rose up, quelled the storm, achieved governorship of California and then became one of our finest American presidents.

Jean Collins

Jean L. Collins, 87, died at her Columbia Falls home on Oct. 16, 2014.

Water compact concerns

If you are concerned about the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Reserved Water Rights Compact, I urge you to attend a Flathead County Commissioner meeting next Wednesday, Oct. 22, starting at 9 a.m. in the Commissioner Chambers on the third floor of the remodeled courthouse, 800 South Main.

Stoltze brings best management practices to the forest

It was hard to finish the rant by Keith Hammer in the local papers recently about the F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. logging in the South Fork drainage.

The politicians are scaring you again

They are doing it again. “They” are the war-party politicians, Democrats and Republicans. “It” is scaring you into supporting another war in the Middle East.

Supports Hollenbaugh

Galen Hollenbaugh, the Democratic candidate for Public Service Commission District 5, is not the ordinary candidate running for office. Galen has served Montanans for 18 years, including as state representative for House District 81 since 2006. He is well educated, with a degree in public administration.

Notification issues interrupt Meadow Lake hearing

A Meadow Lake Resort homeowner’s comment that he and his homeowners association had not received notice about a subdivision proposal at the resort sent city staff scurrying for answers during the Columbia Falls City-County Planning Board meeting on Oct. 14.

Swim team

We would like to thank the businesses and community who contributed to our fundraising event for the Columbia-Whitefish Swim Team this past summer.

O'Neil responds to claims about his record

One of my Democratic opponent’s friends has made some dishonest statements about my legislative history. She stated in her letter to the editor that I have “never introduced a bill that has passed” and that I am against the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Here is the record:

Supports O'Neil

I have had the honor of serving in the Montana House of Representative with Jerry O'Neil. Jerry has served the people of House District 3, Columbia Falls, very well. He has co-sponsored many bills that have improved the function of state government and lowered the tax liability for Montanans.

Not so NRA, John Lewis

John Lewis recently released a commercial stating that he has an A rating from the National Rifle Association. Once again, what he has failed to say is that he has an A rating from a questionnaire. A questionnaire that he lied on. A questionnaire that if asked, “Did you campaign with Rep. Steny Hoyer, a Representative from Maryland with a 0 percent NRA rating,” what would he say? Or did you take money from the gun-hating Super PAC that former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg started? What would John Lewis’ answer be?

Montana's Forest Products Week

Oct. 17 through 24 marks the fourth annual Montana Forest Products Week. In 2011, the state legislature set aside a week, every October, to recognize the importance of Montana’s forest products industry, their contribution to the management of our forest lands, to Montana’s economy, and to the stability of our timber-dependent communities.

Bigfork scores 37 points in first quarter of shutout

Bigfork came out fast on Friday to shut out Plains 49-0 at home.

Runners clock best times of season

Three Bigfork High School cross country runners clocked their best times this season on Thursday at the Capital City 7-on-7 Invitational meet in Helena.

Vikings advance to state playoffs, Valkyries done

The soccer season is over for the Bigfork girls soccer team, while the boys head into state playoffs after a week of rest.

Volleyball senior night on Saturday

Bigfork came back to win an exciting third set against Loyola Sacred Heart on Thursday, before ultimately losing the game 3-1. Another loss to Stillwater Christian on Saturday made for a winless week for the Valkyries.

County to buy land for new trash site

The Flathead County Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of land in Bigfork for a new green box trash site on Monday.

Playhouse is 'groovin' on Sundays

The Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts Foundation is offering its own version of  “Groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon” with musical experiences during the off-season at the center, beginning Oct. 12.

Bigfork's hotel bar used to be the classiest in town

Bigfork High School student to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade

Gabriel Broughton’s Thanksgiving Day is going to be long.

Bigfork artist sets record for art sale with 'Forever Jackson'

Bigfork artist Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey recently set a record in Jackson Hole, Wyo., for the sale of her “Forever Jackson” painting as the Featured Artist of the 30th Jackson Hole Falls Art Festival.

The Odd Couple, first of three in comedic season

The Bigfork Community Players open their season of Neil Simon comedies Oct. 24 with The Odd Couple, Female Version.  

Symphony and Chorale will keep audiences spellbound

Glacier Symphony and Chorale opens its 32nd concert season Oct. 11-12 with “Spellbound,” combining popular movie themes with the classical masterpiece “Symphonie Fantastique.”

ALMA LORENTINA VILHAUER

Lakeside to Blacktail trails near completion

The Lakeside to Blacktail hiking trail is now fully cleared and the final digging of tread will probably be finished this season.  The trail can be easily followed for hiking now.  A map is attached.

Lakeside and Somers to get AED units

Somers Middle School and Lakeside Elementary will soon have automatic external defibrillators on campus.

Action needed on Lakeside solid waste site

The Lakeside and Bigfork green box sites were scheduled by the County Solid Waste Board for closure and consolidation with the Somers green box site on Hwy 82.  Residents of the two communities responded immediately in favor of keeping their local green box sites.  Bigfork pursued acquisition of a new site to replace its inadequate one.  Lakeside's site is on leased land owned by the MT Dept of Transportation (MDT), but is otherwise suitable for additional green boxes and expansion.  The Solid Waste Board has requested MDT to lease additional adjacent land for enlarging Lakeside's site.

Op-ed: Deep thoughts on a tractor in Trout Creek

As I was working on one of my old tractors (it’s a Farmall 806 for the curious) I began cussing the engineers who designed it, as I have many times in the past. Why, oh why would anyone put a bolt in an almost, but not quite, inaccessible place? How do they expect people to work on this thing without becoming homicidal? Remember the cars of the 1970s that had to have the engine partially removed from the vehicle to change the sparkplugs? I know that they are well intentioned people who only want to design a machine that works well, but couldn’t they have adult supervision from a mechanic who actually has to work on them?

Cats end season with two more tough losses

Spikers go 5-9 at Missoula Invite

Kats take conference crown, down Dogs 3-2

Cats break Broncs in conference win

Mundel leads the way in Whitefish

Flathead Forest trails budget sees an increase

Park visitation breaks 1983 record

TIF process kicks off this month

School board approves land sale for clinic

Woman accused of hiding jeans in a purse

Accused embezzler differs on amount taken

Goats bring smiles to Glacier Park visitors

Supports O'Neil

When one examines the candidates of their principles of a good upstanding citizen, Jerry O’Neil is one who is on the top to fill the position for House District 3.

Viewing political corruption more broadly

Earlier this year, veteran political writer Thomas Edsall reported an eyebrow-raising fact about Americans’ views toward government. Polling by Gallup, he noted, found that the proportion of Americans who believed that corruption is “widespread” in government had risen from 59 percent in 2006 to 79 percent in 2013.

Judge Edgerton, a founding father of Montana

The events leading to the creation of Montana as a territory are carefully recounted in “Montana: A History of Two Centuries,” by Michael P. Malone, Richard R. Roeder and William L. Lang. They write:

Bucklin takes first in 33rd Le Grizz

Triplett takes third in bull riding event

Voter pre-registration now available online

Montana residents who still need to register for this year’s general election now have a new way to get their names on voter rolls that’s efficient and accurate for state election officials.

Candidate has UN links

Democrat candidate for Flathead County Commissioner Stacey Schnebel in the media excoriated Phil Mitchell for not sharing his supporters. She goes on to pledge support for “sustainable development” and “smart growth, the twin pillars of the mal-named local entity that is always suing the county over property rights.

Outdoor news

Fishing access

Community news

Phone scam

Catherine Davis

Catherine T. Davis, 92, of Columbia Falls, dies Oct. 13, 2014, in Columbia Falls.

Where's Zinke on health care?

Republican U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke’s TV ads state that he will abandon the Affordable Care Act and refers to it as a “sinking ship.”

What's it mean to be 'result oriented'?

I read recently that Lawrence VanDyke, candidate for the Montana Supreme Court, considers his opponent Justice Michael Wheat a “result oriented” activist on the court.

Choose a bright future

Our political system today is disheartening. We don’t trust politicians or their motivations for seeking public office. We don’t trust the system or the hidden forces that affect it — and it’s no wonder that we don’t. You only have to look as far as the details of this Flathead County Commissioner race for examples of why we have lost faith in the system.

Ebola screening needs to be done better

The Flathead City-County Health Department recently sent an alert to health care providers and institutions with information about screening and treatment of potential Ebola patients.  

Environmental litigation draws heat in an election year

Lawsuits filed by environmental groups challenging timber sales on federal and state lands and decisions for listing species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act have become hot-button issues in this year’s election.

Before you vote, watch for bears

My Grandma Bertha, one of six Flathead generations, often shared wisdom gained throughout her 100-plus years. One “wisdom” we were always to remember: “Ya always wanna know where the bear lies in the buckwheat.” That’s wise advice for us Americans who are privileged to vote for our future from a virtual field (buckwheat) of candidates (maybe bears).

Park partner looking ahead for projects

With a successful summer season behind them, the Columbia Falls-based Glacier National Park Conservancy already is looking ahead to next year and beyond.

Dewey Bacon

Dewery Lee Bacon Jr., 78, of Whitefish, died on Sept. 19, 2014, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Charles Dumay

Charles “Tony” Dumay, 73, died Oct. 10, 2014, at his home in Columbia Falls.

Ebola and politics

I’m a would-be politician running in the current election to represent my community in the Montana State House. The political season is in high gear, and candidates are being asked dozens of repeat questions about inconsequential issues at events staged to “meet and greet,” “press the flesh,” debate, glad hand, showboat — but will anyone ask about Ebola?

VanDyke represents out-of-state interests

Montana Supreme Court Justice Michael Wheat recently said at a University of Montana judicial election forum, “I don’t want to let us forget what this race really is all about. It’s about how our court may be under attack from out-of-state money, from out-of-state corporations who want to come into this state and influence who’s going to be on the court.”

County won't charge Schnebel for illegal voting

The county will not prosecute Democratic county commissioner candidate Stacey Schnebel for alleged voting violations because the statute of limitations has expired, Flathead County Attorney Ed Corrigan said Oct. 7.

Forest Products Week honors Montana's forest heritage

Montana residents will have opportunities to celebrate their connections to the state’s forests during Montana Forest Products Week on Oct. 17-24.

Supports Mitchell

Please join me in supporting  Phil Mitchell, Republican candidate for Flathead County Commissioner.

Joyce Quimby

Joyce Marie Quimby, 81, of Columbia Falls, passed away Oct. 7, 2014.

Incumbent wants to give taxpayers some relief

Candidate wants voters to have a clear choice

Obama talks about Ebola

The following remarks about Ebola were made by President Barack Obama at the White House on Oct. 8, 2014.

Vikings strive for playoff spot as season winds down

Bigfork soccer is racing through their last conference games, hoping to end up in the playoffs.

Cross country runners head to Helena meet

Bigfork Crosscountry competed in Hamilton over the weekend.

Vals need two more wins

After two ties and a loss the Valkyries soccer team is clinging to hope that they might still qualify for post-season play.

Volleyball fights for five-set win over Plains

Bigfork volleyball has two more wins under their belts, defeating Plains at home on Saturday, and Eureka on the road Thursday.

Vikings continue winning streak

The Bigfork Vikings trumped Troy Friday 42-13 on the road.

Thanks for golf tourney

Wildcats continue to struggle

Kats struggle to find the back of the net

Mundel sets school record once again

Kats beat Corvallis in four, rack up 45 kills

Logging near Jewel Basin raises concerns

Burn projects finished

Wardens seek tips on Swan forest vandalism

Park visitors could see fee increases

Park approves Akokala Lake dam project

No camera found in fatal BASE jump

Speakers want local action on pollution issue

Woman charged with running over pedestrian

Deferred sentence for meth possession

Murphy is new school resource officer

Film, book, focuses on Hungry Horse

Bigfork's Teresa Kennedy helps children who need an advocate

Teresa Kennedy and Glenna Burke strolled through a park last week, arm in arm under a brilliant fall day.

Finding local food will be easier for Bigfork

The Montana Co-op is coming to Bigfork.

Bike path gains steam

A bicycle and pedestrian trail around Bigfork has recently taken one step closer to fruition.

Fishing contest destroying lake

Each year about this time, thousands of fish are taken from Flathead Lake and it is called a fishing contest or tournament.  

Same-day registration important for voters

Say NO to LR 126.

Law should be non-partisan

As I travel around the state to meet with Montanans, I’m often asked, “What’s wrong with our current Supreme Court?”  My answer is simple.

Anything could be found at the Bigfork general store

Open burning allowed

 Open burning will begin Oct. 1. 

Vikes dominate Shelby

Bigfork football continued their winning streak Friday, beating Shelby 43-6 for Bigfork’s homecoming game.

Cross country picks up speed

Bigfork’s Makena Morley won the Bob Firman Invitational crosscountry meet on Saturday at Eagle Island State Park in Boise, Idaho, with a course record time of 17:24.6.

Weekend meal program needs financial help

The Montana Food Bank network is looking for a new sponsor to help provide weekend meals to students at Lakeside Elementary through the Backpack Program.

Teacher re-starts career at Lakeside, covering three different areas of study

Lakeside Elementary teacher Tanika Lenz doesn’t work out of a classroom. 

Wooden boat foundation seeks new volunteers

The Montana Wooden Boat Foundation is looking for a few good men and women to become volunteers and be a part of an exciting new Boat Building Program for the youth of Flathead Valley.

Lakeside/Somers Chamber changes

The chamber board would like to announce a new concept for our chamber gatherings. We plan to change from a luncheon to an afternoon networking hour.

Thank you to volunteer Firefighters

We at Tamarack Woods Homeowners would like to express our WHOLE HEARTED thankfulness to the wonderful Somers/Lakeside Volunteer Fire Dept. and the South Kalispell Fire Department and all the incredible volunteers who came to the rescue of a neighbor who's garage caught on fire.  If it wasn't for the prompt action of this fine group of fire fighters, our whole neighborhood could have been engulfed in flames!  These men and women risked their lives and we want them to know how VERY grateful we are for their prompt and professional service.

Wendlen Burckhard

Wendlen “Burke” Burckhard, age 99, passed away at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell on Oct. 6, 2014.

Likes Mitchell

I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for Phil Mitchell, Republican candidate for Flathead County Commissioner.

Meadow Lake Resort wants to amend subdivision

The Columbia Falls City-County Planning Board will hear a request to amend plans for a subdivision at Meadow Lake Resort, along with two conditional-use requests, at their Tuesday, Oct. 14, public meeting in the city council chambers starting at 6:30 p.m.

Avy workshop slated for Oct. 25

The fourth annual Northern Rockies Avalanche Safety Workshop will take place at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hungry Horse Dam to get turbine repairs

Lee Heath

Willows piling up yards in Texas

Supports Schnebel

Stacey Schnebel is definitely my choice for Flathead County Commissioner. I have worked on a professional basis with Stacey for several years, and she has always been polite, professional and willing to hear all sides of an issue.

Outdoor news

Ultramarathon

Community news

Election on TV

Schnebel explains Whitefish voting

I became an active Montana voter in Whitefish in 2002. In 2006, my husband and I bought our log cabin in Coram, to which we moved in 2007. We were married and I changed my name in 2008, and then I updated my driver’s license in 2009. Later in 2009, we purchased the Stonefly Lounge and its liquor license, and I underwent the requisite review by the Montana Departments of Revenue and Justice.

Special interest groups are collaborators in reducing public access

If you repeat a lie enough times, does it come true? That’s what a couple of special interest groups are hoping in Montana. Montana Wildlife Federation and the Public Land & Water Access Association (PLWA) have been feeding Montanans a line of bull for years and hoping we’ll buy it.

The Whitefish wannabe candidate

Allow me to introduce Democrat Stacey Schnebel, the Whitefish wannabe candidate for county commissioner. In the few weeks that Democrat Schnebel has been campaigning, it’s become clear that after years of being sued by the city of Whitefish regarding representation for we doughnut residents, Democrat Schnebel is running for county commissioner to extend Whitefish’s approach to government across Flathead County.

Support Mitchell

We have known Phil for 17 years, and we hold Phil in high regard. Phil has worked countless hours bettering our community, and he is also a private financial contributor to causes and individuals in need.

Justice for sale

It’s a sad commentary when a Montana Supreme Court candidates runs for the purpose of making that position a purely political office. That Supreme Court is supposed to be nonpartisan in its decisions.

Investigation dropped of man who said he hit wolves

State investigators can’t find evidence of a collision

Challenger wants less ideology

O'Neil seeks third term in the House

Libertarian says 'follow the money'

Andrew Evans

Andrew T. Evans, 52, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on Sept. 24, 2014, at his home in Spokane.

Sun Road partially opens on west side

Glacier National Park officials announced Friday afternoon, Oct. 3, that the Going-to-the-Sun Road was open to motor vehicle traffic from the West Entrance to Big Bend, about three miles west of Logan Pass.

School news

Homecoming

Opposes Daines

I wouldn’t vote for Steve Daines because he has avoided the real issues.

Republicans want Schnebel investigated

Democratic county commissioner candidate Stacey Schnebel has called Republican Party allegations that she voted illegally a “frivolous tactic” to get her removed from the ballot.

Supports Curtis and Lewis

On the 100th anniversary of Montana women’s right to vote, everyone’s right to vote is at stake in the 2014 election. Few Montanans can compete with $10,000 to $425,000 donations.

Celebrating America's wilderness

“When are you going to take your family to Disney World?”

Companies want seven years to fix oil tank cars

Oil and railroad companies want federal regulators to give them as much as seven years to upgrade existing railroad tank cars that transport highly volatile crude oil, a top oil industry official said Sept. 30. Tanker cars have ruptured and spilled oil in accidents, leading to intense fires.

Election choices

Each election cycle, small cadres of those involved in the political process write these impassioned letters to the editor in an effort to sway voters to support their preferred candidates.

On Zinke's bronze stars

Why is Ryan Zinke constantly telling us in his prime time television ads that he was awarded two bronze stars for combat? Anyone who was ever in combat knows that our military does not award Bronze Stars for combat. It awards them for valorous acts which take place during combat.

Math doesn't add up in governor's energy plan

Isn’t it amazing that the Keystone XL pipeline has been being “studied” by federal agencies for more than six years, yet the Environmental Protection Agency is giving Americans only 180 days to look at the impacts of their overhaul of our entire national energy system?

Mountain Lake Tavern was the rowdy spot

Preface: This collection of vignettes is a chapter from my childhood memoir that spans the period from 1950 to 1964 when my parents, Bill and Anne Haug, owned a bar on Bigfork’s Electric Avenue.

Take a stand on public land issues

As a U.S. Forest Service retiree, I know the benefits of a well-managed forest.  Over the last 20 plus years, I have seen the federal government's "on the ground" forest management deteriorate. Lack of timber sales and excessive access closures have not served the public or the resource well.

In praise of the wilderness act and people who created it

The organizers of the “Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act”, which was held at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 20,  deserve great praise and thanks from those of us who were privileged to attend.  It was a wonderful chance to get a fresh look at the roles which many private and government entities play in the ongoing effort to protect and expand Wilderness in our area.

How atmospheric pollution affects Flathead Lake

A cattle feed lot in Spokane. A wildfire in Colorado. Dust from the Sahara desert.

How to find comfort in times of strife

Greetings everyone.  

Judge reduces punitive damages in car crash

A Montana judge has reduced a punitive damages award from $240 million to $73 million in a lawsuit against Hyundai over a crash that killed two Missoula cousins in July 2011.

Timber sale boosts state harvest total

A proposed timber sale in the Swan Valley represents a major portion of Montana’s timber harvest on state lands.

Bigfork woman charged with felony theft

 A Bigfork woman has agreed to plead guilty to felony wire fraud after allegedly stealing over $35,000 from Mountain Lake Lodge in Woods Bay.

Rotary Club of Bigfork works to end childhood hunger in Bigfork

This Friday a few Bigfork students will leave campus with something new in their backpacks — food.

Lakeside teacher goes back to school to work with special-needs children

Shawn Erickson is no stranger to special education.

Discussions begin on enhancing public access

Public access to the North Shore of Flathead Lake from Holt drive isn’t going anywhere.

Remembering when Montana's rivers ran red

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven”, says the Preacher.

Vals win two

The Bigfork Valkyrie volleyball team has two more home court wins under their belts, defeating Mission 3-1 on Thursday, and Troy 3-0 on Saturday.

Playoff picture emerges

After a week off, Bigfork High School soccer is strategically preparing to play five games in nine days.

State ad campaign brings in $6.9 million

The Montana Office of Tourism recently won an award for an ad campaign it ran this winter that is credited with bringing $6.9 million to the state using a $25,000 investment.

Like Mitchell

We are writing to urge all Flathead County residents to cast a vote on Nov. 4 for Phil Mitchell for Flathead County Commissioner.

Stop Stoltze project

F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. wants to cut some 55 loads of logs from state lands where the Broken Leg and Crater Notch trails provide non-motorized access to the Swan Range near Jewel Basin. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is accepting public comment until Oct. 20 on whether or not to grant Stoltze a salvage-logging permit there.

Harriers do well at Polson Duels

Cats settle for conference split

Three Wildcats qualify for state golf tourney

Spikers perfect in conference play, heading to Corvallis

Kats top conference with win over Dogs, Pirates

Cats fall to Dogs in conference battle

Fire lookout gets a new lease on life

Forest Service defends new filming regs

Youth Corps changed their lives

Local stores get national exposure

Sorenson top bull rider in Blue Moon rodeo series

San-Suz-Ed: Like going to grandma's house

Ted Parod

Ted Parod, 73, loving husband, father, grandfather and founder of the ALERT air ambulance and rescue program in Kalispell, passed away Sept. 27, 2014.

William Jarvi

William Hans Jarvi, 61, “Bill” or “Billy” as many called him, passed away at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish on Sept. 21, 2014, with his sister at his side. Bill courageously fought melanoma for seven years.

County race: Schnebel responds to Mitchell

The following letter was sent by Stacey Schnebel, of Coram, the Democratic candidate for Flathead County Commissioner, to her Republican opponent, Phil Mitchell, of Whitefish, in response to Mitchell’s letter to the editor explaining why he wouldn’t participate in a public election debate and posing questions for Schnebel.

Supports Perry

The House District 3 race offers a clear choice between two individuals who share some of the same concerns but offer different solutions.