Ellington

C-Falls man claims $12,000 scratch prize

A Columbia Falls man who said he left his Montana Lottery scratch tickets in his car for a couple of days before he got a chance to scratch them was surprised to find he was a $12,000 winner.

Lawmakers look at elections, creationism, guns and seat belts

Montana legislators listened to proposed bills that would allow voters to register online, protect teachers who teach creationism in public schools, bar Montana law enforcement officials from enforcing certain federal gun laws, and raise the fine for driving without a seat belt on.

Committee hears proposal to increase hunting, fishing fees

A bill introduced by Rep. Jeffrey Welborn, R-Dillon, would raise prices for fishing and hunting licenses in Montana.

George Cada

George Wayne Cada, 70, passed away Jan. 25, 2015, at Mountain View Care Center in Bozeman, where he had been a resident for the last three years.

Krueger addresses Mitchell's remark about Indians

As a commissioner chosen by the electorate of Flathead County to administer the affairs of the county fairly and without prejudice or racism, I must respond to statements attributed to Flathead County Commissioner Mitchell recently.

Rancher opposes CSKT water compact

Again I find myself questioning my state and federal government’s thought process regarding the highly controversial 2015 Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

New protected lands are good for wildlife and all Montanans

Montanans are fortunate people. The Crown of the Continent is one of the most magnificent natural areas in the world. In many places, the land still looks a lot like it did when Lewis and Clark portaged the Great Falls and ascended the Rockies.

Avalanche conditions force Hellroaring Basin closure

A slab avalanche in the Picture Chutes area of Hellroaring Basin prompted Whitefish Mountain Resort officials to close the basin to skiers and snowboarders on Sunday, Jan. 25.

Kudos to commissioners

Thank you Flathead County Commissioners Pam Holmquist and Phil Mitchell for standing up for the citizens of Flathead County on two major issues as follows:

Dale Riley Jr.

Dale Wade Riley Jr., 56, of Columbia Falls, died Jan. 22, 2015, in Columbia Falls.

Pass CSKT water compact

The looming deadline for the state to ratify the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact should have farmers and rancher squirming. This legislative session is the last chance for the compact to be approved. Sixteen tribal compacts have been signed in our state — and the CSKT Water Compact needs to be one of them.

Gov. Bullock's State of the State address

Gov. Steve Bullock delivered his State of the State Address to the Montana Legislature on Jan. 28, 2015.

Prosecutors respond to newlywed murderer's appeal

Federal prosecutors responded to an appeal filed by the former Kalispell woman convicted of pushing her husband of eight days off a cliff near The Loop in Glacier National Park on July 7, 2013.

Park bird count was second highest

With ideal conditions, the annual Christmas Bird Count in Glacier National Park  recorded 689 birds of 40 species, according to Park biologist Lisa Bate.

Governor's legal counsel responds to county on CSKT water compact

The following memo about the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact was sent to Montana Gov. Steve Bullock on Jan. 19, 2015, by Andrew Huff, Bullock’s legal counsel. The memo was later forwarded to the Flathead County Commissioners.

The American sniper was no hero

Despite what some people think, hero is not a synonym for competent government-hired killer.

Woman guilty in Bigfork fraud case

A Bigfork woman was sentenced Thursday, after pleading guilty to felony wire fraud after stealing over $35,000 from Mountain Lake Lodge in Woods Bay.

Debate over winter cabin rental

An environmental group is opposing a proposal to allow winter rental of the Flathead National Forest’s Anna Creek Cabin, claiming it will lead to illegal snowmobiling in the protected Jewel Basin.

Keenan gets to work as Montana Legislature gets moving

Bob Keenan has made a low-key return to the Montana state Senate, and that’s just as it should be, he says.

Ladies Club assists in community needs

The Bigfork Food Bank received its first donation toward a new building Monday morning. 

North Korean-style brainwashing next for Montana?

Gov. Steve Bullock is again on the move, this time personally courting children in kindergarten, asking them if they know what the job of governor is. Well, of course they don’t. They are just small children.

Children's theatre opens Big Bad Musical

The Big Bad Wolf is on trial at the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre.

High school creative writers earn honors

With one year and a positive review under their belts the Bigfork High School creative writing students are at it again, creating Hatch, a literary and art magazine.

First memories of summer lemonade and cookies

Bigfork wrestlers prove to be tough competition

Vinny Quirk kicked off Bigfork’s only home wrestling meet on Thursday with a quick start, pinning Mission-Charlo’s Christopher Anderson at 205-pounds in 28 seconds.

Bigfork students win divisional speech championship

After a rough regular season Bigfork High School’s Speech and Drama teams showed what they’re made of at the Northern B divisional tournament in Shelby.

Vikings continue to dominate district play

Eureka High School’s boys basketball team came to Bigfork ready to win on Friday, forcing the Vikings to make every shot count as the Vikings came away with a 61-56 victory and maintained their standing at the top of the conference.

Babcock runner-up in two swim races

Triplett wins his first PBR event

MatCats win two duals at home, one away

Wildkats beat Bravettes, Lady Broncs, now 12-1

Wildcats drop Braves and Broncs on the road

C-Falls speakers take first at divisional

Historic Flathead Forest sites placed on National Register

Le Grizz foot race moves to North Fork

Glacier National Park concessions chief retires

Drug felon charged with shooting at Canyon men

Hungry Horse News

Big taxpayers could pay less this year

School district terminates health contract with KRMC

Bowling, the other winter sport

Klothes Kloset sales zoomed in 2014

Alternative energy plant lost in fire

Institute keeps watchful eye on Whitefish Lake

Scientists at the Whitefish Lake Institute are always working, but their work isn’t always seen immediately.

Bierstube deck demolished due to structural concerns

Skiers and snowboarders seeking a sunny après-ski venue at Whitefish Mountain Resort can no longer rely on the outside deck at the Bierstube. The deck at the popular bar has been demolished because of safety concerns.

Studying public land transfer next step for Montana

Thanks to passage of Senate Joint Resolution 15 last session, the Montana Legislature conducted an intensive interim study of the problems with federal land management. I sponsored the 2013 legislation and chaired the 2013-2014 study, both of which passed out of committee with broad bipartisan support.

Kathryn Peterson

Kathryn Ann (Maguire) Peterson, 63, died Jan. 25, 2015, at her home in Coram.

Police want action on non-working radios

About half a dozen Columbia Falls police officers showed up at the Jan. 20 Columbia Falls City Council meeting to hammer home the point that their digital radio equipment doesn’t work properly, posing a serious safety risk to the officers and public alike.

Deal made with man who pointed gun at daughter

The Flathead County Attorney’s Office gave a 63-year-old Martin City man a three-year deferred prosecution agreement on Jan. 7 after he was charged with pointing a loaded gun at his daughter in 2013.

Commissioners asked to reconsider water compact opposition

Gov. Steve Bullock has asked the Flathead County Commissioners to reconsider their opposition to the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water rights compact.

$359 million budget gap could impact infrastructure bill

A $359 million gap divides budget estimates by Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock’s Office of Budget and Program Planning and the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Division.

Bill would constitutionally protect trapping

Protecting Montanans’ right to trap wildlife could just take a few word changes in the Montana Constitution, the Montana  House Fish, Wildlife and Parks committee learned during a Jan. 20 hearing in Helena.

Need to pass the water compact

Our family has managed land and water along the Big Hole River in southwestern Montana for more than 140 years. I have personally filed many of the original water rights under Montana’s adjudication process.

The 'rest of the story' about the Kootenai Forest Plan

The Jan. 21 Hungry Horse News notes criticism of the new Kootenai National Forest Plan and Record of Decision from both timber interests and one environmental group.

Park dog finds a home

The Humane Society of Northwest Montana reports that Troy, a five-year old heeler-mix rescued from St. Mary’s Lodge near Glacier National Park, has been adopted after living at the Charlotte Edkins Animal Adoption Center in Kalispell for 16 months.

Snowmobiler hit by slide below Skook Chutes

Two snowmobiles were caught up in snow slides not far from Whitefish Mountain Resort, but nobody was injured.

The politics of personal destruction

Standing up for principles is not always easy, but it is what I do. I believe that it is the job of every legislator to make our state government work better for the people of Montana.

Bill would increase sentence for felony DUI

The 64th Montana Legislature recently finished its third week of the session. There are 37 freshmen in the House this session. It has been a fast learning curve for them as the pace of bills being heard in committees and on the House floor has been steadily increasing.

Bill would increase Montana gas tax by a nickel

A bill introduced in the Montana Legislature by Rep. Nancy Wilson, D-Missoula, calls for increasing the state’s gas tax by a nickel.

School news

Close-Up auction

Bills introduced to protect access to public lands and waters

The Montana Wildlife Federation and the Public Land/Water Access Association say they are promoting two bills to address the growing problem of people blocking off large tracts of public land by gating public rights of way. The bills seek to improve public access to public lands by keeping public roads open.

Zinke votes to defund abortions

Rep. Ryan Zinke joined fellow Republicans on Jan. 22 to broaden restrictions on federal funding for abortions.

Loggers, conservationists stand by Kootenai timber sale

America is a nation of laws, but that does not mean the courtroom is necessarily the best place to resolve problems. Sometimes, the best place to settle differences is out in the fresh air, in the scent of pines and the sound of the breeze overhead.

Bill would shield media from Internet searches

A bill that would bar Montana government agencies from going after a reporter’s sources or information through Internet companies like Google was brought to the Montana Judiciary Committee on Jan. 22. No one at the hearing spoke in opposition to the bill.

Browning man sentenced for shooting grizzlies

A 75-year-old Browning man was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution for shooting three grizzly bears on his property in August 2014.

Montana Chamber supports Regier's tax cut plan

The Montana Chamber of Commerce announced Jan. 22 that it supports House Bill 166, which calls for each of Montana’s seven marginal tax rates by 0.1 percent. The bill is sponsored by House Majority Leader Keith Regier, R-Kalispell.

Pipeline breaks increase concerns about safety

The failure of two energy industry pipelines this month has raised concerns by government officials and citizens.

Supports passing the Healthy Montana Plan

Improving the lives of Montanans who are suffering from mental health issues will be a top priority for the legislature this session. A current shortage of care is impacting our Montana families and communities, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that all Montanans suffering from a mental illness have access to adequate care in the community and, for those who need it, at our state acute care facilities.

Outdoor news

Uphill skiing

Global hospitality company acquires Whitefish hotels

A Buffalo, N.Y.-based hotel and food service company has purchased two Whitefish hotels.

Community news

Dine for a cause

Idaho officials describe lake trout suppression efforts

Idaho’s Lake Pend Oreille is often cited by advocates of lake trout suppression efforts in Flathead Lake, which the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have begun implementing to protect Flathead’s threatened bull trout population.

Two kinds of income inequality

Income inequality is back in the news, propelled by an Oxfam International report and President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address. The question is whether government needs to do something about this — or whether government needs to undo many things.

Bill would raise state minimum wage to $10.10

Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, has introduced a bill to the Montana Legislature that would raise the hourly minimum wage in Montana by about 25 percent.

Bridge lawsuit ready for county

A Flathead Lake conservation group has prepared a final legal complaint against the Flathead County commission over approval of a permit for a bridge on the north shore of the lake.

Woods Bay sewer district appeals to Legislature for $10 million

This week is an important one for the Greater Woods Bay Sewer District in its long-running quest to connect to Bigfork’s wastewater treatment facility.

Kalispell chamber pursues moving race to Lakeside

The Montana Dragon Boat Festival may be held in a new location on Flathead Lake next year. 

CSKT water compact shouldn't be taken lightly

Individuals capable of looking beyond immediate ramifications of how this proposed water compact will affect themselves personally, can see the possibility of a water control scheme.  There is urgency for certain motivated people operating in their own interests to get this legislation passed.  Land without water is of little value. The law of supply and demand will lead to cheap land becoming readily available.   

Water compact issue about to get heated in Helena

So far, things have been relatively quiet at the Montana Legislature when it comes to a water rights compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Compact opponents should have done their homework

The Jan. 1, 2015 Missoulian report on the Flathead Joint Board of Control (FJBC) approval of a resolution opposing the proposed CSKT water Compact quoted board member Jerry Laskody as saying that “We were totally left out of the negotiations.”  But whether through petulance, arrogance or both, the FJBC Compact opponents excluded themselves from actively participating in the six public Compact negotiating sessions over the past four months.    

Bowling brought joy and spirit to Bigfork women

Bull trout redd counts bring no surprises for biologists

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries field crews have completed the annual inventory of bull trout spawning sites in the Clark Fork, Flathead, and Kootenai drainages, which comprise northwest Montana’s FWP Region One.  

Vikings take down Florence with free throws

Despite receiving two technical fouls the Bigfork High School Boys basketball team came from behind Saturday, to best Florence Carlton 64-55 in Bigfork.

Wrestlers fight hard at Choteau, prep for home quad

Bigfork High School wrestling got a peek at the top class B and C wrestlers in the state at the Choteau Invitational over the weekend.

Speech and drama prep for divisional meet

Bigfork High school Speech, Debate and Drama struggled at their last invitational meet hosted by Loyola at the University of Montana.

Wolfpack upends Kats in tight game

Cats edged by Wolfpack, pound Bulldogs

MatCats thump Dogs, Roberts 2nd at Jug Beck

Speakers take the crown at Loyola

Nicosia first in indoor triple jump at MSU meet

Browne resigns as Cats soccer coach

Snowpack warming questioned

Montana state parks post record visitors

Kootenai Forest Plan criticized from both sides

C-Falls pot grower sentenced

Embezzler must pay back Schellinger Construction

Man sentenced for drug sales

New deli in town offers the best of old Italy

Indie film shot in Flathead heads to film festivals

Finally, a field of their own

Rep. Zinke responds to State of the Union Address

The following remarks were made by Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke about President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address on Jan. 20, 2015.

Obama's State of the Union Address

President Barack Obama gave his State of the Union Address in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2015.

There are questions we should ask about oil prices

After an election season that featured plenty of frowns about the state of the economy, a different kind of debate has broken out with the sudden plunge in crude oil prices. Will $2 per gallon gas prices be good for the economy? Or will they be fantastic? Less money being spent by all of us filling up our tanks has given the economy a boost, it is said, with the only squabble being over just how big that boost will be.

States must take control of country's direction

The Constitution of these United States has long stood the test of time, serving for more than 200 years as the foundation of the rule of law of our county. Since this document was ratified in 1789, the Constitution has only been amended 27 times, proving that the framework installed by our Founding Fathers can endure the test of time like no other republic in history.

Merle Miller

Merle Marvin Miller, 78, passed away on Jan. 13, 2015, as a result of battle with cancer.

FWP should help landowners with problematic wildlife

The last few decades in Montana have seen a remarkable recovery in wildlife populations. For example, Montana’s elk population was down to almost 20,000 animals in 1940. By 1970, it had increased somewhat to 55,000. But after that, we’ve seen rapid growth to nearly 160,000 animals today.

Taverns, brewers develop brewery legislation

The Montana Tavern Association, the Montana Brewers Association and several other industry groups have come together to draft a bill to allow Montana’s craft brewing industry to grow within the current three-tier system that regulates the production, distribution and sale of alcohol in the state.

Tax increase proposed for forest lands

A bill introduced to the Montana Legislature would increase taxes to property classified as forest land.

Keystone XL and Bullock bill should be supported

As many as 2,000 temporary high-paying blue collar jobs will be created in Montana if the U.S. government approves the much publicized Keystone XL pipeline. More than twice as many similar private-sector construction jobs, however, will result from state government approval of the “Build Montana” program proposed by Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock and sponsored in the legislature by Republican Rep. Jeff Welborn, of Dillon.

Disgusting rhetoric

If you believe in your cause, you should be able to discuss why using both passion and science, not over-the-top rhetoric that disparages anyone who disagrees with you. Doing so shows ignorance and insecurity.

Gerald Petry

Gerald Lee “Jerry” Petry, 73, passed away at the Brendan House in Kalispell on Dec. 12, 2014, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Twenty years of Yellowstone wolves

Twenty years after their ancestors were released here in one of the most controversial wildlife projects of the century, wolf howls punctuated the cold winter air on Jan. 12 to the delight of dozens of wolf watchers.

Bill targets liability waivers for outdoor recreation

A bill introduced to the legislature is aimed at protecting outdoor recreation businesses in Montana from lawsuits.

1,700 pounds of prescription drugs collected

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office reports it has collected more than 1,700 pounds of prescription drugs since November 2011. That’s when the first medicine disposal box was installed in the entryway of the Flathead County Justice Center in Kalispell.

Ronan sewage dumper sentenced in federal court

A businessman in Ronan has been sentenced in federal court in Missoula to two years  probation for illegally disposing of domestic sewage.

The VFW needs you

The VFW is looking to grow its ranks. If you are a veteran who served in a combat area, Korea over 30 days, or on an expeditionary force or nuclear submarines, you are eligible to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Help us to continue to help veterans.

Forest officials say they'll ticket uphill ski violators

In response to dangerous behavior by some skiers at Whitefish Mountain Resort, the Flathead National Forest has announced that individuals who skin up Big Mountain and don’t follow the established uphill traffic policy could be ticketed.

Energy bar company expanding

Alas, the poor starling

We come to praise starlings, not bury them. Say, what? Praise starlings? Perchance love them?

Montana Chamber supports state infrastructure plan

The Montana Chamber of Commerce threw its support behind House Bill 5 during a Jan. 12 hearing in front of the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Long-Range Planning.

Montana posts record high school graduation rate

Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau announced Jan. 13 that the state’s high school graduation rate increased to 85.4 percent for the 2013-2014 school year — the highest level since the Office of Public Instruction began calculating the rate in 2000.

Flu outbreak forces hospital restrictions

Kalispell Regional Healthcare and North Valley Hospital announced visitor restrictions last week because of an influenza outbreak in the Flathead Valley.

Paul Daly

Paul L. Daly, 93, died of natural causes on Dec. 28, 2014, while returning home to Columbia Falls from his winter residence in Green Valley, Ariz.

Conundrums

Free people are not equal. Equal people are not free.

Obama proposes national seven-day sick-day policy

The following remarks by President Barack Obama about working familes in a 21st century economy were made at Charmington’s Café in North Baltimore, Md., on Jan. 15, 2015.

Avalanche hazard rated moderate around the Flathead

In their Jan. 15 avalanche advisory for the Flathead Range, southern Glacier National Park, the Swan Range and the Whitefish Range, the Flathead Avalanche Center categorized the hazard as moderate above 5,000 feet on wind-loaded slopes and slopes steeper than 35 degrees. All other slopes have a low hazard rating.

Snow with rain in the weekend forecast

The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting a wet weather pattern for Friday through Monday with snow on mountain passes and a mix in the valleys.

Infrastructure bill puts political 'pork' on state's credit card

Do you ever wonder how the state picks which road, bridge and sewer projects to fund each year? Historically, infrastructure grants in Montana are provided through several separate funding bills, passed individually by your representatives in the Montana Legislature. This process allows like proposals to stand on their own merits rather than having their fate tied to unrelated projects that the state pays for in a completely different way.

Bill would provide money to stop bear attacks

A bill to fund nonlethal measures to reduce the impacts of grizzly bear and wolf predation on livestock in Montana has been introduced to the Montana Legislature.

Pension funds likely not a big issue for legislators

Shoring up pension funds for state and local government employees and teachers won’t be a high-priority task for legislators this session as it was two years ago.

School news

MSU honor roll

Good-bye, Montana

I am not a native Montanan. I moved here 17 years ago. In those 17 years, I saw a lot of Montana: Glacier National Park (many times), Big Hole National Battlefield, Essex, Eureka and Ennis, Red Lodge, Deer Lodge, Beartooth Highway, Miles City, Butte, Bozeman, Stevensville, St. Mary’s Mission, Florence, Hamilton, Judith Gap, Lewistown, Fort Benton, Lolo, Lolo Hot Springs, Yellowstone, West Yellowstone, Gardner, Helena, Bannack, Virginia City, Dillon, Monida, Missoula, National Bison Range, Philipsburg and on and on. Montana is a big, beautiful and diverse state.

Energy Keepers prepare to take over Kerr Dam

A herd of mule deer grazed on the south-facing hill above the Flathead River near Kerr Dam Tuesday.

Montana Athletic Club undergoes expansion

By spring the Montana Athletic Club in Bigfork will have even more to offer.

Fire chief warns beware of carbon monoxide

People in the United States die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. This deadly gas is hard to detect because it is odorless, colorless and tasteless. 

Bigfork ladies go bowling

It was a warm summer morning. 

Fly fishing lover shares his passion for fly tying

As the weather grows colder Jim Johnson switches from one fishing hobby to another.

Northwest Montana homeless survey gearing up

Social service agencies throughout Northwest Montana are gearing up for the annual Montana Homeless Survey on Thursday, Jan. 29. People who consider themselves homeless or at risk of being homeless may fill out surveys at a number of drop-in locations.

Obama talks about broadband and the Gigabit City

The following remarks about promoting community broadband communications were made by President Barack Obama at Cedar Falls Utilities, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on Jan. 14.

Alice Motichka

Alice Marilyn (Crumley) Motichka, 83, passed away on Jan. 14, 2015, at her home at the Springs of Whitefish.

Winning all those speech tourneys is not easy

 At a recent District 6 School Board meeting, a respected member of our community made the comment that, after looking at the number of speech and debate state championship banners which hang in our gymnasium, it must be easy, this activity that simply involves students talking.

State panel OKs tribal water compact

The nine-member Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission unanimously approved the proposed water compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on Jan. 12. The proposal will now head to the Montana Legislature.

Top-ranked Columbia Falls presented a challenge for top ranked Bigfork

In a matchup of top-ranked boys basketball teams, the final score wasn’t quite indicative of the battle that took place on the court Thursday evening.

Bigfork swimmers keep knocking down times

The Bigfork High School girls swim team placed eighth at the Kalispell Invitational swim meet on Saturday at the Summit.

Quirk places first in Thompson Falls

Bigfork’s Vinny Quirk placed first at the Ted Kato wrestling meet in Thompson Falls on Saturday. Quirk (205) pinned Glacier High School’s Kellen Bemis in 1:16 for the win.

Valkyries bounce back from loss to crush Troy

Miranda Campbell led balanced offensive display by Bigfork with her season-high 19 points as the Valkyries cruised to a 71-37 victory over Troy at home on Friday.

Cats snap Vikes' streak, sink Pirates

C-Falls speakers take first at Bigfork

Wildkats pound Vals, Pirates

Boys swim well at Kalispell meet

Youth softball programs for the winter starting up

Student's fatal ski accident headed to trial

Group opposes reservoir winter cabin rental

GPI donates artwork to Glacier Park

Park Service centennial projects supported

Shea retires as Glacier Park trail foreman

C-Falls man sentenced for mistreating horses

Prosecution deferred for C-Falls pot grow

Volunteers respond to 40 fires in 2014

Principal to volunteer in Dominican

C-Falls man at helm of Aegis cruiser

CFAC: Who are the responsible parties?

Tips for finding the right school for your child

If you’d like to send your child to a different school next year, now’s the time to start the process of researching your options.

Fire the FWP

This is the worst hunting that we have had for many years, which is due to the wolf population, and it is still not being adequately adjusted. By their own numbers, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shows the wolves are increasing every year even with current measures to control them.

City patrol car totaled

Shay is top Billings employee

Tester survey ranks Social Security as No. 1 priority

Preserving Social Security and Medicare was the top priority among citizens who responded to a survey by Sen. Jon Tester’s office in January. Tester asked citizens to name the issues they wanted the U.S. Senate to deal with first this year.

Visitation record set for Glacier Park

Last year turned out to be Glacier National Park’s  busiest season in its 104-year history. Final visitor numbers for 2014 put the Park’s annual visitation at 2,337,719, according to the National Park Service’s statistics office.

Saving the Serengeti of North America

We did it! After a long hard battle, with the help of Sen. Jon Tester and Sen.-elect Steve Daines, we finally saved the North Fork.

Expanding health care is a good deal for Montanans

Providing health insurance to the estimated 70,000 hardworking Montanans earning less than $16,000 a year will promote prosperity and save lives. In the majority of states, Republicans and Democrats put aside partisan politics and expanded Medicaid to their low-income neighbors. It’s time Montana lawmakers do the same.

Investment in safety is commonsense for Montana businesses and workers

Montana has the unenviable position of third-highest workplace injury rates in the nation. To solve this problem, it is vital that we work together as a state to drive these injury rates down. The three of us are working across party lines to address this challenge.

Community news

Tax help

Outdoor news

Ice-fishing class

Backcountry artist to peers: Just do it

New alcohol compliance program starting up

City needs help with street snow

Transgender students could compete in high school sports

The Montana High School Association is considering a policy to allow transgender student-athletes to compete on the team that matches their gender identity.

Caytlyn VanSchoyck

Caytlyn Marie “KB” VanSchoyck, 22, of Columbia Falls, died Jan. 7, 2015.

State drops child porn charge against Coram man

The child pornography case against a 49-year-old Coram man was dismissed by Flathead County Judge Robert Allison on Nov. 10, 2014. Federal charges had been filed against Jon Crandall in U.S. District Court in Missoula in July 2012.

Russel Alfred Bucher

Russel Alfred Bucher, 86, died at the Montana State Veterans Home on Jan. 4, 2015, in the company of his loving wife.

Deal reached for Packers Roost cop impersonator

The Flathead County Attorney’s Office gave deferred prosecution agreements to two Columbia Falls men involved in a strange altercation at the Packers Roost parking lot in Coram in 2013.

Fish virus detected in Montana's Kootenai River

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that in November state fisheries biologists detected a virus in wild spawning kokanee salmon in the Kootenai River below Kootenai Falls.

Sentence for condo destroyer revoked for second time

A 27-year-old Kalispell man with drug addiction problems who rolled his vehicle on the North Fork Road at 95 mph last May 10 was sentenced by Flathead County Judge Heidi Ulbricht to 10 years with the Department of Corrections with five suspended.

Rule change to benefit freshmen legislators

The 64th session of the Montana Legislature was gaveled to order on Jan. 5. In the House, 100 representatives took the oath of office. Thirty-seven of them are freshmen legislators. That means they have to hit the ground running as committees are already conducting hearings on bills.

Linda Mae Graham

Linda Mae Graham, 65, passed away Jan. 5, 2015, in Kalispell after a courageous fight against cancer for years.

Tester calls for putting CFAC on Superfund list

The following letter about the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. smelter site was sent to Environmental Protection Agency administrator Gina McCarthy by Sen. Jon Tester on Jan. 8, 2015.

Keystone XL supporters making misleading claims

TransCanada is so intent on winning approval for its proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline from Canada, it is spending millions on media ads and making donations to communities along the route.

Montana businesses should be thankful for clean water

Among the things Montana business people should be thankful for during this season is our clean water.

Teens charged with armed robbery in meth deal

Four teenagers were arrested and charged with armed robbery on Jan. 7 after allegedly taking money from an undercover Northwest Montana Drug Task Force agent.

Man charged with killing three young griz

A Ferndale man has been charged in federal court in Missoula with shooting and killing three young grizzly bears that he says killed his chickens and posed a threat to his family in May 2014.

Richard Gehrke

Richard “Dick” Gehrke, 69, passed away Jan. 2, 2015, with family by his side.

Biologists find no surprises in bull trout counts

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 fisheries program manager Mark Deleray, there were no surprises in the 2014 bull trout redd counts for the Clark Fork, Flathead and Kootenai river drainages in Northwestern Montana.

Tester, Daines, Zinke agree to host weekly coffees

Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke met at the first “Montana Coffee” of the 114th Congress on Jan. 6.

The ominous Republican hold on Congress

As we face the new year, the biggest concern for peace lovers is Republican control of the U.S. Senate. While Republican votes don’t reach the key number 60, members of the GOP will still be in a strong position to push their belligerent global agenda.

Heavy snow fall closes school, delays postal deliveries

Mother nature dumped almost two feet of fresh powder on Bigfork from Sunday through Monday evening, cancelling school for two days and causing residents difficulty.

Wrestlers see success in Ronan

Bigfork wrestling had a promising weekend in Ronan Friday and Saturday at the Western Montana Duals. 

Stormwater project to be funded by tax district

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday approved a Rural Special Improvement District for the Bigfork stormwater system.

Charges dismissed against Polson journalist

Two of three charges stemming from the arrest of then-Lake County Leader Editor Vince Lovato were dismissed Monday, and a plea agreement was reached on the remaining charge. 

Anonymous donor buys land for Bigfork Food Pantry

Big changes are happening fast for the Bigfork Food Pantry.

Nordic skiing trails groomed and open for season

The North Shore Nordic Club ski areas in Lakeside and Bigfork are now open and being groomed regularly.

Preparing for the blank slate of the New Year

Learning to love winter isn't so hard to do

“That was the coolest jump ever!”

Legislators talk about congeniality as session begins

The Montana Legislature opened for business on Monday, Jan. 5, with lawmakers saying they will work together and show respect for one another after a contentious session in 2013.

Forest Service drops $10 mil image building plan

Forest Service officials announced Jan. 6 that it has decided not to spend $10 million on a five-year nationwide public relations campaign with the goal of branding itself as a public agency that cares about people and nature.

Majestic Valley Arena fire was arson

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the Majestic Valley Arena fire on Jan. 3 was arson.

Commissioners take third position on water compact

The Flathead County Commissioners are considering signing a letter drafted by newly elected commissioner Phil Mitchell that adamantly opposes the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water rights compact.

Leon Syth

Leon Dale Syth, 81, peacefully passed away on Jan. 2, 2015, at home surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis.

MatCats win Western Montana duals crown in Ronan

Wildkats extend winning streak to seven

Cats drop Loggers, Lions at home, now 6-1

Trail work valued at more than $640,000

Plows struggle to keep up with snow

Attorney's fees driving lawsuits against cities

Dakin, Siderius recognized for conservation work

Shay recalls her 'girl Friday' journalism career

C-Falls teen discovers his leadership potential

A Columbia Falls teen who was struggling in high school successfully graduated from the Montana Youth Challenge Academy in Dillon on Dec. 20.

Yellowstone Park pot cases ballooning

Ignorance of federal laws and the growing influence of legal pot in neighboring states like Colorado has led to an increasing number of Yellowstone National Park prosecutions of visitors possessing small amounts of medical or recreational pot, according to Park rangers.

Mark Denney

Mark Dwayne Denney, 55, of Bullhead City, Ariz., passed away Dec. 22, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nev.

Edwin Tienhaara

Edwin Tienhaara passed on to his eternal home on Dec. 30, 2014. He was born Feb. 16, 1922, in Phelps, Wis. to Gust and Sannah Tienhaara, the second youngest of 10 siblings.

Bullock and Republicans square off on goals

With Montana’s 64th legislative session now in session, Republicans in control of both houses and Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock seem miles apart on their top priorities and pledges to work together seem few and far between.

Darby project brings the end of the roads

From an aerial view, the landscape around the two watersheds looks scarred. Dirt roads built by timber companies slash across the South Fork of Sleeping Child Creek and the Rye Creek drainage areas, leaving more than 22,000 acres riddled with patches of exposed soil.

Ask the judge

These articles have been fun, and I have enjoyed the lively discussion they have generated. In a free and democratic society, everyone has the right to let their voice be heard. We can only improve our society after airing out opposing views through civil dialogue.

An inch of snow an hour

A major winter storm dumped as much as an inch of snow an hour as it swept across the Flathead Valley on Sunday and continues into Tuesday.

Richard Gehrke

Richard “Dick” Gehrke, 69, passed away Jan. 2, 2015.

Avalanche conditions rated high

The Flathead National Forest issued an avalanche warning for Northwest Montana on Jan. 5.

Rare birds seen on annual Christmas bird count

A snowy owl was spotted by birdwatchers during the 41st annual Bigfork Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, Dec. 27.

Glacier Park fee increase

What? A 20 percent entrance fee increase for Glacier National Park? I have always presumed that our national parks belonged to all the people. With fully 40 percent of our middle-class citizens having lost actual income over the last six years, how can the desk jockeys in Apgar justify an increase?

Hats off to the Montana delegation

The Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited has long been committed to protecting the Flathead River system, one of the last best strongholds for native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout. The recent bi-partisan support and passage of the North Fork Watershed Protection Act is a major step in the right direction.

Community news

Chamber meets

Outdoor news

Wilderness talks

Forecast calls for deep snow in Northwest Montana

The National Weather Service in Missoula a major snowstorm over the next few days, beginning with light density snow through Sunday.

Patricia Sanderson

Patricia “Patti” Knapton Sanderson, 68, passed away peacefully at Immanuel Lutheran Home on Dec. 27, 2015, with her loving husband Sandy Sanderson by her side.

Arson suspected in Majestic Valley Arena fire

The Majestic Valley Arena on U.S. 93 north of Kalispell caught fire early Saturday morning, Jan. 3, canceling a Wrangler Team Roping Championships event that would have hosted 600 to 700 teams.

Judge rules against medical marijuana restrictions

District Judge James Reynolds of Helena permanently blocked several provisions of the state’s medical marijuana law on Jan. 2, including the ban on advertising and the prohibition against commercial sale for profit.

Scott looks back at time as commissioner

As he packed up his office on Dec. 31, outgoing Flathead County commissioner Cal Scott, R-Columbia Falls, looked back at his time in office.

What does it take to move elk

On the last day of the 2014 general hunting season on the Rocky Mountain Front, a large number of  the Sun River elk herd were still in the backcountry, not out on the windswept hills of the Sun River Wildlife Management Area.