Ellington

HELP Act won't bust the budget

Other states have found their initiatives to expand Medicaid similar to Montana’s Senate Bill 405, the Montana Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership (HELP) Act, have produced significant budget savings. Providing health insurance for low-income, working Montanans will result in state budget savings and economic growth.

Is enhancing the expansion of Obamacare conservative?

Over the past 65 days, there have been numerous proposals presented to the legislature that can aptly be described as “take-it-or-leave-it.” The Confederated Salish and Kootenai water compact, Senate Bill 262 the governor’s infrastructure proposal, House Bill 5; the governor’s proposal to expand Medicaid, House Bill 249; and the governor’s state pay-plan, House Bill 13 are all examples of policies that the legislature was expected to rubber stamp, without any changes.  But one proposal tops all others when it comes to the audacity of a “take-it-or-leave-it” offer — Senate Bill 405.

Vote Yes for CSKT water compact

The Bitterroot Valley includes a diverse community of businesses and a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds. A fundamental requirement to business success and property values alike is an assurance that core assets are viable and reasonably reliable year after year.

Church leaders support Medicaid expansion

As people of faith, we believe that each of us has a moral obligation to take care of each other. At one time or another, every one of our fellow human beings has a need that we can help ease.

Protect Coal trust fund from greedy politicians

For the third time in 24 years, the Montana Republican Party has trotted out a plan to break and cap the Coal Tax Trust Fund, one of Montana’s biggest financial and policy success stories. 

Former Commissioner of Political Practices opposes Motl's confirmation

As a former Commissioner of Political Practices, I respectfully object to the confirmation of current Commissioner Jon Motl. Please consider the following:

Supports CSKT water compact

Standing up for what is right isn’t always easy, and with an issue as contentious and important as water use, there is bound to be conflict and disagreement — which is why I think Sen. Fred Thomas, R-Stevensvillel, deserves to be thanked for his service to Montana and for his vote in support of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact.

Fighting against attempts to kill Montana coal

Montana’s vast energy resources have been a blessing to our state for generations. Developing our natural resource wealth has provided thousands of jobs, been a cornerstone of tax base and provided funding for schools, infrastructure and services in every community in Montana.

Julianne Beck

Julianne “Julie” Kathleen Beck, 70, loving, beautiful, tender hearted and faithful, peacefully passed away on March 29, 2015, with loving family by her side.

Outdoor news

Invasive species class

Local Easter events

Lions Club hunt

Community news

Farmers market

Invest at home, not in another war

Seems like every time I turn on the TV, I see another pundit or politician calling for greater American military intervention in response to ISIS, or heading to war with Iran, or cleaning up after some other conflict around the world.

Political maneuvering brings bad bill to the House floor

On the House of Representatives floor this past Thursday, we debated Senate Bill 289, otherwise known as the “Dark Money Bill.” A group of legislators used parliamentary maneuvers to get this bill passed, and the end result will face court challenges, limit free speech and violate privacy rights.

Support water compact

It is no secret that water rights are essential to many Montanans. This is why the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact is so important.

Pass the water compact

Nobody should have to waste their hard-earned money on unnecessary and avoidable litigation. Not passing the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact will make it necessary for water users to appear in court to defend their water rights. This will cost taxpayers millions and individual farmers and ranchers thousands, not to mention the decades it will take to see that litigation to an end.

Supports Ruby for Co-op

I am writing this letter in support of Alan Ruby, trustee of Flathead Electric Co-op. I am a member of Flathead Electric and also Glacier Electric in Cut Bank.

David Nedved

David Allen Nedved passed away March 25, 2015 at his home from natural causes.

Supports water compact

The choice that our elected officials in the Montana State House will be making on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact will have far reaching impacts for water users across our state. Their choice will either protect the water rights of Montanans, or subject our citizens to long and costly litigation.

Water rights, dark money and religious freedom

Bills aimed at stopping the contentious Flathead water compact, shedding light on campaign financing and protecting religious freedom are making their way through the Montana Legislature.

House bill seeks funds for trail grooming

A bill that would create an $18 three-year permit for outdoor recreationists who want to use motorized equipment or fat-tire bikes on groomed snowmobile trails was passed by the House by 88-11 on March 13.

Dog owner cited in Park lion incident

DUIs, fetal surgery, private school and the budget

The 64th session of the Montana House of Representatives finished day 64 of the 90-day session on Friday, March 27. Some bills of interest to the Flathead Valley that have been heard recently in the House are House Bills 488, 479, 433 and 2.

Flathead real estate market holding stable

Expansion will make SmartLam No. 1 in the world

Suicide on the Sun Road

Glacier National Park officials report that a 40-year-old man from Virginia Beach, Va. found Tuesday, March 24, apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Big Creek Campground timber sale posted

Commissioner questions transparency of letters

A Flathead County commissioner is questioning the handling of letters sent by other commissioners to state legislators and officials in opposition to the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact.

Rolling coal and crowdfunding

I remember when teens would drag race their souped up cars on the quarter mile markers up the North Fork Road or on Aluminum Drive toward the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant. Most of the cars were Ford Mustangs, Dodge Chargers or Chevy Camaros. Ask anyone who grew up in the 1960s and they will tell you about the engines and colors of their favorite hotrod. My kids would call it “back in the olden days,” but it was a way to have some fun and excitement and root for your favorite driver. We should have called it the C-Falls NASCAR.

With 200,000 visitors, state parks ranger oversees seven state parks on Flathead Lake

Chris Bodeker looked out from the shoreline at Big Arm State Park last week and saw not only a wide, quiet bay on Flathead Lake; he saw potential.

Local legislators seek to legalize suppressors on hunting rifles

Local legislators are carrying a bill that would allow the use of noise suppressors on hunting rifles.

County still trying to keep Swan River access open

Maintaining access to the Swan River in Ferndale remains a priority for Lake County officials.

County finalizes land purchase for new trash site

Another step in the completion of the new Bigfork trash site has been completed.

Bill on cow elk harvest does not favor sportsmen

Senate Bill 245 is supposedly a bill to enable Fish, Wildlife & Parks to control elk numbers when their numbers become larger than the objective population numbers determined by the FWP for that area. This bill supposedly “allows” FWP to harvest cow elk after the regular season to adjust those numbers downward if needed. 

Children's playhouse volunteer helps ensure the actors look the part

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse costume shop was quiet, except for the sound of the heater clanking away in the corner, as Shannon Barrett sorted through racks of clothes.

Support early education bill

 Now is the time to support Governor Steve Bullock’s Early Edge initiative for public, universally available pre-kindergarten. 

Spring sports are gearing up at Bigfork High School

Bigfork High School spring sports practices are underway, with competitions starting this weekend.

Lulu Rogers

Lulu Rogers, 93, of Columbia Falls, died March 22, 2015, at Bee Hive Homes of Columbia Falls.

DEQ responds to CFAC, Zinke comments

The following e-mail from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality was sent to the Hungry Horse News in response to the comments made by Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. spokesman Haley Beaudry and Rep. Ryan Zinke that none of the 18 Superfund sites in Montana have ever been removed from the National Priority List.

Girls track team looks solid this year

Tennis teams seeing plenty of outdoor practice

Wildkat softball squad features six seniors

Nicosia, Kolodejchuk take 2nd in lifting competition

Park ranger shoots lion after it attacks dog

CFAC: What is the role of government?

Infractions driving river trail closure

U.S. 2 boulevard idea floated

Middle school pain leads to high school success

Sheriff defends Two Bear Air use in arrest

Tester stands firm on CFAC cleanup

Zoellner wins Old Joes at Nate Chute

A pair of Whitefish snowboarders stood atop the podium after two days of racing at the 16th annual Nate Chute Classic on March 21-22.

Supports Ruby for Co-op

Alan Ruby has served with distinction as a trustee of Flathead Electric Cooperative for the past 13 years and is deserving of our support for another term.  

Trapping, resort tax increase, and new crime lab

Bills that would strengthen protections for trappers, allow resort towns to increase their local sales tax, pay for a new crime lab and raise funds for Broadband had mixed results in the Montana Legislature this past week.

Vote Glaspey for Co-op

We strongly believe that Sheri Glaspey should be elected as a trustee for our Flathead Electric Cooperative board.

EPA officially proposes listing CFAC site

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today, March 24, that it officially had proposed adding the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company smelter site to the National Priorities List, making it eligible for additional study and cleanup resources under EPA’s Superfund program.

Triplett suffers knee injury

Columbia Falls bull rider Matt Triplett suffered a knee injury on March 20 that could sideline the young rider until at least this summer.

Standoff at Super 1 ends peacefully

Tester wants to cut taxes for breweries

Lulu Rogers

Les Grigg

Les “Butlow” L. Grigg, 79, died of renal failure on March 5, 2015, with his wife Sandy by his side at the HealthCenter in Kalispell.

Judith Stenger

House Republicans to taxpayers: Stick to a fiscally sound budget

Last week, the Montana House of Representatives spent 14 hours over two days debating amendments on House Bill 2, the state’s major budget bill. The bill that was brought to the House floor was the result of six weeks of work by the members of the Appropriations subcommittees and full Appropriations committee. Members of appropriations are not allowed to serve on other committees; their time is solely dedicated to the state’s budget.

A letter to Zinke about CFAC

The following letter was sent to Rep. Ryan Zinke by Columbia Falls resident Bill Dakin in response to Zinke’s letter to Gov. Steve Bullock opposing putting the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. site on the federal Superfund’s National Priorities List.

Obama speaks on fifth anniversary of Obamacare

The following tatement on the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act was made by President Barack Obama on March 22, 2015.

Vote for Ruby for Co-op

If you are like me, you might be among the 85 percent of Flathead Electric Co-op members who routinely file those trustee ballots somewhere without really reading the biographies of the candidates and taking the time to vote.

Vote for Smith for Co-op

We need to re-elect Emery Smith as Flathead Electric Cooperative board trustee. Emery was instrumental in getting Flathead Electric Co-op members the rate rebate last year.

Obama introduces the White House Student Film Festival

The following remarks were made by President Barack Obama at the White House at the start of the White House Student Film Festival on March 20, 2015.

Whitefish railyard clean-up still years away

Cleanup of the BNSF Railway property near downtown Whitefish is still a few years away, the state Department of Environmental Quality told the public on March 12.

They are here

They’re here. Perhaps you’ve seen them. Perhaps you looked skyward and noticed, perhaps not.

Refuge offers spectacular wildlife viewing

The waterfowl and wildlife take center stage and offer visitors a variety of performances throughout the year at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.

Bullock threatens to veto House budget bill

Despite a threatened veto by Gov. Steve Bullock just hours earlier, the Montana House passed a $10 billion budget bill along party lines by 59-41 on March 19. House Bill 2 will go to the Senate next for consideration.

Gov. Bullock criticizes House budget proposal

The following statement on House Bill 2 was made by Gov. Steve Bullock in the state Capitol on March 19, 2015.

Need to pass water compact

The proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact was passed through the Senate with strong bipartisan support — showcasing the growing understanding and support behind the compact.

Peter Venerdi Jr.

Peter E. Venerdi Jr., 70, of Columbia Falls, died in Kalispell of brain cancer on March 17, 2015.

Wants Thomson for Co-op

On March 20, ballots will be mailed to all Flathead Electric Cooperative members. This year there are three vacant trustee positions on the ballot representing Districts 2, 3 and 5. All members of the Co-op vote for each vacant position, regardless of where they reside.

Wants Smith for the Co-op

Please re-elect Emery Smith for Flathead Electric Cooperative trustee for District 2. Emery’s proven, hard-working leadership serving on the Flathead Electric board since 2003 has resulted in keeping electric rates low, keeping infrastructure state of the art and running the Co-op in a professional, fiscally responsible manner.

Experimental treatment and physician assisted suicide

Two bills that address end-of-life decisions by Montanans recently met with differing results in the Montana Legislature.

Grizzly, wolf compensation bill moves forward

A bill that would appropriate $200,000 from the state’s general fund to pay for livestock lost to grizzly bear or wolf attacks has been moving through the Montana Legislature with support from livestock and conservation groups that often have been in opposition to such measures.

Zinke fires warning shot at Amtrak

Bipartisan legislation to continue federal funding for Amtrak was passed by the U.S. House last week, but not before Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Whitefish, riled rail supporters with a vote to totally defund the service.

Half a century of hunter ed

The proud smile of a young hunter with their first deer is what has kept Leonard Howke excited about teaching hunter education for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for the last 50 years.

Local legislator introduces bills to fight aquatic invasive species

The bad news is that inspection crews are turning up illegal live fish and nonnative species across Montana. The good news is no evidence of zebra mussels has yet been found.

Mack Days suppression effort expands

The Spring Mack Days fishing tournament is just around the corner, and organizers are looking for the event to remove about 9,000 more lake trout from Flathead Lake than last year’s event.

High school renovation to be discussed

The Bigfork School District is in the exploratory stage of discussing a potential renovation of the high school. The district has gotten together a group of about 20 to 30 community members to participate in three visioning workshops about the project.

Government bodies should push for more public transit

Two weeks ago I attended an Agency on Aging meeting in Bigfork. 

Compact vital to whole state

The decision that our legislators make on the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe (CSKT) Water Compact could shape the future of our state for decades to come. 

Compact will lead to years of litigation either way

State legislators:

Students at Bigfork and Swan River Schools work to promote change and acceptance

Crissy Siefke had an important message for students at Bigfork Elementary and Middle School, and Swan River school on Wednesday.

Snow holding up well at Blacktail Mountain

Workers at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area are watching the weather closely this week.

Bigfork Boy Scout troop wins $1,000 grant

Bigfork Boy Scout Troop 1923 was awarded the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund Grant Feb. 23.

Hunter education volunteers honored

Hunter education instructors received service awards from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the annual Region One Instructor Workshop last Saturday at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell.  

Valkyries end season in overtime state matchup

Two close losses at the state Class B basketball tournament wrapped up the season last weekend for the Bigfork High School girls basketball team. 

Vikes struggle at state tournament

The Bigfork boys basketball team ended another stellar season with a tough state tournament in Great Falls last weekend.

Middle school wrestler qualifies to represent Montana in national duals

Bigfork Little Guy Wrestling had a busy weekend.

Cats gut out third-place trophy at state

Williams is All-American for second time

Derrick Williams, of Columbia Falls, a sophomore on Colorado State University-Pueblo men’s track and field team, helped guide the Men’s Distance Medley Team to a runner-up finish at the 2015 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 13-14.

Court upholds timber projects

Park biologists say they're winning the lake trout war

Glacier Park road plowing starts soon

Massage therapist opens business on Nucleus Avenue

Stageline Pizza has new owners learning the ropes

C-Falls man sentenced for meth lab

EPA will propose putting CFAC on Superfund list

Demolition firm looks at site

Co-op's power costs keep rising

Community solar project coming to the Flathead

Drive-in theater goes down for new Murdoch's

Governing by crisis isn't governing at all

After Congress came a hair’s breadth from shutting down the Department of Homeland Security a few weeks ago, members of the leadership tried to reassure the American people.

Golf and timber jobs

Seems most people don’t remember who shut down the woods and put half of Montana out of work, from the faller to the man loading the ore car to that of the local grocer who feeds these people. Then there was the thousands of jobs in between.

Speech 2015

http://flatheadnewsgroup.com/app/pub/speech15.pdf

Best of Bigfork 2014

http://flatheadnewsgroup.com/app/pub/14BestofBF.pdf

Best of FLT 2014

http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/daily-inter-lake-niche/bestofflathead_26july14/2014072601/#0

Bill would allow noise suppressors for hunting rifles

Several local legislators are promoting a bill that would allow the use of noise suppressors on hunting rifles. Senate Bill 295 is sponsored by Sen. Mark Blasdel, R-Somers, and co-sponsored by Sen. Janna Taylor, R-Dayton, and Sen. Bob Keenan, R-Bigfork.

Sun Road reopens after big deluge

Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road Road reopened from the foot of Lake McDonald to Lake McDonald Lodge on March 16.

School costs shifting to local taxpayers

Canyon Trail fundraiser

Some chairlifts close on Big Mountain

Big fat snowflakes were falling in the village at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Monday morning.

Community news

Canyon dinners

Outdoor news

Wild walk

Heavy rains, plugged culvert closes Sun Road

Heavy rains in Glacier National Park have forced the closure of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side at the foot of Lake McDonald.

Montana fishing records

Special hearing to look at proposed urban renewal plan

Moose Crossing lien released

Perry looks forward to second half

There is certainly no place like home. Every time I return after being away for a weekend or numerous months, I am filled with gratitude and a greater appreciation for where I am from.

Drones, assisted suicide, federal lands and health care

The Montana House recently heard a wide range of issues, from concerns about drones invading privacy to physician-assisted suicide and transferring federal lands to the state.

Read to me, Daddy: New program encourages dads, father figures to read to their children

By 9 a.m. Feb. 28, a large room at the Northwest Montana Head Start in Kalispell was bustling with energetic children and their dads. Chairs were set up in pairs, tumbling mats and fleece blankets were laid out on the floor and brand new books were ready to be handed out.

C-Falls man charged with waving knife at family

A 25-year-old Columbia Falls man has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assault with a weapon and bailjumping. Two additional charges of felony assault with a weapon were dismissed as part of a plea deal.

Regier highlights some House bills of interest

The 64th Montana House of Representatives finished day 53 of the 90-day session on Saturday, March 14. Some bills of interest to the Flathead Valley that have been heard in the House are House Bills 156, 478, 344 and 297.

Passing CSKT compact is the fiscally responsible choice

After extensively reviewing the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai water compact agreement and its related appendices, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for the legislature to approve the water compact negotiated by the state of Montana and the Tribes.

Wreck near Butte injures local couple

A 62-year-old Columbia Falls man, his wife and his two grandsons, ages 14 and 17, were injured in a crash on I-90 about 42 miles east of Butte on March 12.

Two Montana statesmen to remember

Mike Mansfield would have been 112 on St. Patrick’s Day. Our political system misses him. Mike’s unifying and fair approach to leadership resulted in the enactment by Congress of a galaxy of major and far-reaching legislation. He led at a time of turbulence and division.

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Cats drop Panthers in squeaker

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team lived to see another day at the state Class A tournament after Ty Morgan hit two free throws with 1.2 seconds left to give the Wildcats a 66-64 victory over the Belgrade Panthers on Friday in Bozeman.

Combating benefit fraud frees up resources for those in need

With the state’s 64th legislative session in full swing, there have been many proposals introduced recently by state lawmakers to improve our public benefit programs in Montana. But, where there is progress also comes misconceptions, and the attempts by the legislature to improve the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a perfect example of fallacies standing in the way of improvements.

C-Falls Marooned again

Marooned, again. For the second time in as many weeks, Butte Central has beaten a Columbia Falls basketball team in their opening game at state.

Mack Days expands to 51 days this year

The Spring Mack Days fishing tournament is just around the corner, and organizers are looking for the event to remove about 9,000 more lake trout from Flathead Lake than in last year’s event.

Dark money, taxes, texting, scanning and raw milk

A bill aimed at shining light on campaign finances and four tax measures were among the many bills brought before the Montana Legislature at the start of its second half.

Invasive species bills sail through House

Two bills aimed at protecting Montana from aquatic invasive species were passed in the House by unanimous 100-0 votes on Feb. 26 and passed on to the Senate Natural Resources Committee on March 6.

Glacier Park murderer wants a new trial

Defense attorneys in the Jordan Linn Graham case claim their client should get a new trial on a lesser charge.

Invest in Montana, not Wall Street

The 1975 Montana Legislature approved a constitutional referendum that let Montana voters decide whether or not to create a permanent coal trust and fund it with 50 percent of the severance taxes paid by coal companies.

Truck-sized boulders fall on BNSF tracks

No trains were damaged or derailed when several large boulders fell onto the BNSF Railway tracks about two miles east of West Glacier on March 10.

Bigfork man charged with killing grizzlies denied trial

A Bigfork man charged with allegedly killing three grizzly bears in Ferndale last May has been denied a trial by jury.

George Darrow, Bigfork leader, passes away

Longtime Bigfork civic leader and environmental policy pioneer George Darrow died Wednesday in Kalispell. He was 90.

Guitar foundation partners with tribal college to expand guitar education

With five successful festivals under their belt, the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation is expanding their offerings into the Mission Valley.

Lakeside residents excited about dragon boats

People in Lakeside are excited about the potential opportunity to host this year’s Montana Dragon Boat Festival, although some expressed concerns about traffic flow and parking.

Bigfork students delve into the past for National History Day fair

Five months of research led up to Bigfork Middle School’s first National History Day fair.

Glacier Symphony and Chorale to perform two impressive works

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale’s March concert Into Paradise will bring the power of the full orchestra and chorale together onstage for two monumental symphonic choral works. The first is the Requiem Mass in D minor by Gabriel Fauré, followed by Ave verum corpus (Hail true body) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Fauré piece evokes a French Catholic atmosphere with its chant-like musical lines reminiscent of a Latin mass in memory of the departed. Fauré himself said of the work, “Everything I managed to entertain by way of religious illusion I put into my Requiem, which is dominated by a very human feeling of faith in eternal rest.”

Remembering the past

To my dear readers: I truly enjoy sharing my memories with you through the medium of our local community newspaper, and I have greatly appreciated your kind words about them. Many of you ask how I can remember so much detail from my childhood. Here’s a short story in answer. 

Bigfork fire to dedicate new ambulance

Spring is less than a month away. Open burning began Sunday, March 1. A permit is not needed during the months of March and April.  A burning permit is required May 1 through June 30. 

Fight to ban Citizens United from Montana not over

I love this state and everyone in it.  That's what happens when you love being where you are.

Zinke opposes Superfund listing for CFAC site

The following letter about the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. smelter site was sent by Rep. Ryan Zinke to Gov. Steve Bullock on March 4, 2015.

Kats pick up the pieces, take third at state

Boys look to make history at state

First look at Forest Plan

Aquatic invaders still pose a threat in Montana

Workers react to CFAC news

Recycling losses hit historic high for the county

911 funding measure could skip a vote

Landing aircraft is in the family blood

C-Falls student heads to state geography bee

Misunderstandings surround Montana banking law

Banks can be like doctors and lawyers; people cuss them until they need one. As a lifelong farmer and rancher, I depend on them to supply the operating capital my business needs to function, provide jobs and pay taxes. Over 25 years, I have learned that through good times and bad, timely and candid communication between lenders and borrowers is critical to beneficial outcomes.

Flathead bike trails ranked No. 7 in nation

The online mountain bike-trail review site Singletracks.com recently ranked the Flathead Valley as a top destination for mountain bikers.

Final Perch Assault of 2015 is a winner

Sixty teams lined up for the final Perch Assault of 2015, waiting for the starting light to signal the beginning of the end. Not only would 10 of these teams earn a paycheck for their 10 best perch, but five would be receiving bonus checks for their season championship standings and one team would earn a cash bonus for the big fish of the day. All good reasons to rise early and hit the ice on a warm March Saturday.

Obama speaks about paying for college education

The following remarks about the Student Aid Bill of Rights were made by President Barack Obama at the Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta, Ga., on March 10, 2015.

Calgary trade center bill tabled in committee

A bill that would use state bed tax revenue to fund a Montana trade center in Calgary passed the Senate by 29-21 on Feb. 16 and was transmitted to the House where it was tabled in the House Business and Labor Committee on March 10.

Latest crime ranking places C-Falls at fourth

Compact breaches state sovereignty

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact should be a nonpartisan issue, with the vote based on principle not politics.

Political practices, bed tax and de-icer bills

Transmittal break allowed me to recover from a terrible head cold and cleared the way for the last half of working for you during the legislative session. Experience teaches us that the 50-0 votes from the first half will soon be over as we discuss the meat of the budget and begin to wind down the session.

Privacy is a prerequisite to a free and prosperous society

Montanans have always cherished independence and individual rights. The Fourth Amendment’s provisions against unreasonable searches and seizures have protected our due process and private property rights for hundreds of years, and prohibited warrantless invasions of our privacy.

Pass the compact

The decision that our legislators make on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact could shape the future of our state for decades to come.

Daines writes to Iran about nuclear bombs

Sen. Steve Daines joined 46 Republican senators on March 9 in sending an open letter to the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.

Outdoor news

Instructors honored

Sports news

Babe Ruth sign-ups

Community news

American Legion

Reasons to oppose the water compact

Compacts with six other tribes have been successfully negotiated and approved since 1979, when Montana set up the Montana Water Court and paved the way for adjudication of Montana’s water. The most recent was with the Blackfeet Tribe in 2009. Last to be considered is the proposal developed by the Montana Reserved Water Rights Commission between Montana, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the U.S. government.

Ask the judge

After last month’s look at our criminal justice system, one of my best friends asked, with some exasperation is his voice, “So, what can we do about it!?”  To recap last month’s article:

The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

It’s one of those gems people sometimes stumble onto by accident. We knew about the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge but never quite found our way to it until one October several years ago during an autumn-color photography search.

Oil train derails in Ontario, catches fire

A CN train hauling crude oil from Alberta to Eastern Canada derailed in northern Ontario on March 7 causing several tank cars to catch fire.

Accused abortion clinic vandal could change plea

Declining mountain snowpack is a concern

The mountain snowpack percentage in Montana has declined significantly in the past two months, the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bozeman reports. Lack of snowfall and above normal temperatures are to blame.

Kats shoot down Golden Eagles in runaway game

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team is still alive in the state tournament. The Wildkats cruised to a 71-31 victory over Fergus County High School of Lewistown on Friday afternoon in Hamilton.

YieldMo WSN

BNSF oil train derails, catches fire

A BNSF Railway train loaded with crude oil derailed and caught fire in a rural area south of Galena, Ill. on March 5 around 1:20 p.m.

Seven Pacific Northwest aluminum plants gone

With the recent announcement by Glencore that it was permanently closing the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. smelter, the status of the other nine Pacific Northwest aluminum plants should interest readers.

Kats Marooned in state tourney, lose 49-47

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team was shocked by Butte Central 49-47 in the opening round of the state Class A tournament in Hamilton on Thursday.

Virginia Searlight

Virginia Marie Searlight, age 88, passed away March 4, 2015, at Hidden Meadows in Columbia Falls.

Oil and gas companies should pay their fair share

In Montana, we believe in fairness and a level playing field. But right now, oil and gas companies extracting Montana resources are not paying their fair share. From 2008 to 2014, these companies received a tax break of more than $126 million, costing local communities and the state critical revenue to meet infrastructure, social service and public safety needs.

Regier calls for banning abortions by telemedicine

Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell is sponsoring a bill in the current legislature that would ban and make it a crime for medical practitioners to administer pregnancy-ending medication through telemedicine.

From boom to bust: A short history of CFAC

For about half a century, the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant provided the Flathead Valley with good paying jobs, taxes for schools and local government, and support for the local economy. The following is a timeline of the smelter’s history, from groundbreaking to the present.

Fishing and hunting fees hurt seniors

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are at it again. Just because they cannot manage their funds,we the seniors are going to pay.

CFAC press release announcing closure

The following announcement was sent by Columbia Falls Aluminum Company spokesman Haley Beaudry to the media on March 3, 2015 about Glencore’s decision to permanently close the CFAC smelter.

Water compact has been vetted

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact has caused quite a bit of stir. Two years ago, we didn’t have an opinion. Since then, we’ve read, listened and evaluated the pros and cons of the issue.

Last phase of stormwater project mapped out

Plans are moving forward for the final phase of the Bigfork Stormwater Project.

Developer sued by engineering contractor

A company that helped provide engineering services for Roger Sortino is suing him for $1,500.

Bigfork High School considers building renovations

The Bigfork School District is in the exploratory stage of discussing a potential renovation of the high school.

Survey needed to improve lake access

Dave Hadden is looking for funding to help get the ball rolling on a better access to the north shore of Flathead Lake in Bigfork.

Bigfork grad wins prize for forestry business plan

University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation student Stephen Jenkins from Bigfork and recent forestry graduate Jena Trejo from Marcola, Oregon, were first runners-up in the Barrett Foundation Business Concept Challenge.

New Bigfork resident has a passion for singing

Opera singer Lawrence Munday is ready for the easy life. After several visits to the Flathead Valley Munday decided it was time to move. He packed up and drove from New York to Bigfork, to take up residence in a home along the Swan River.

Rural schools come together for a night of fun to promote future success

After the rest of the students went home on Friday Cayuse Prairie seventh and eighth grade girls rolled out their sleeping bags and waited for new friends to arrive.

Summer Playhouse alum wins Oscar for supporting role

J.K. Simmons, a University of Montana graduate and former actor at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, offered heartfelt thanks in accepting the best supporting actor Oscar for “Whiplash,” and there wasn’t an agent or manager on his list.

Valkyries repeat as district champions

Another year, another district title for the Bigfork Valkyries.

The cowboy who helped change a flat tire

Water and Sewer district continues to clean lines

The Bigfork Water and Sewer District continues to clean water lines in Bigfork to try to remove coliform bacteria from the water supply.

Daines and Tester misleading on logging of federal lands

Sens. Daines and Tester are spreading misinformation in their bid to pump up logging of federal lands. They are doing industry’s bidding and they don’t seem to care if their rate of logging public forests violates environmental laws or not.

Valkyries win Western B Divisional Championship, prepare for state tourney

The girls basketball Western B divisional championship matchup at Flathead High School on Friday looked a little familiar, as Bigfork and Plains faced off for the fourth time this season.

Defending state champs take 2nd in division

Bigfork fell into deep foul trouble and couldn’t shoot its way out on Saturday night, losing to Missoula Loyola-Sacred Heart 67-55 in the Western B boys basketball championship game at Flathead High School.

Show celebrating workers in timber opens Friday

Join Gretchen Finch,  a Whitefish resident, for her show celebrating “Workers in our Woods” at the Bigfork Museum of Art & History, March 6–28. The opening reception is on March 6 from 5-7 p.m. 

Outdoor film festival

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation will host the Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour film festival at the O’Shaughnessy Center, in Whitefish, on Thursday, March 19, with doors opening at 6 p.m. for drinks, food and raffle tickets and films starting at 7 p.m.

C-Falls man sentenced to 15 years for child pornography

Reporter recalls Dick Lundstrom

Cats claw their way to seventh straight title

Kats down Lady Broncs for divisional title

Seventh-grader runs for kids who can't

Houston signs with Great Falls

Logging in North Fork headwaters raises concerns

City staff scratching heads over U.S. 2 sinkhole

Kreck Riverwalk Trail dispute

YieldMo BFE

YieldMo HHN

YieldMo FLT

Government review commission seeking input

Trail builder recognized for dedication

No wooly mammoths, and no moose, either

Skateboarder keeps a half-pipe in his office

Learning to be a citizen

The question usually comes toward the end of a public meeting. Some knotty problem is being discussed, and someone in the audience will raise his or her hand and ask, “OK, so what can I do about it?”

Coram-West Glacier Fire Department sues for property

BNSF to spend $124 mil in Montana this year

Symphony and chorale to perform together

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale will bring its full orchestra and chorale on stage for powerful rendition of Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem Mass in the Whitefish Middle School auditorium on Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. and in the Flathead High School auditorium on Sunday, March 15, at 3 p.m.

Glencore permanently closes CFAC site

A spokesman for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. announced March 3 that the smelter plant will be permanently closed and demolition of some buildings at the site could take place as part of the closure.

Woman pleads guilty to running over pedestrian

Convicted bail jumper fails probation on first day

County seeking grant for senior center work

Barker to compete in Florida state pageant

Jenna Barker, 9, of Panama City Beach, recently was chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Florida State Pageant in the junior pre-teen category. The pageant will be held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Jacksonville, Fla. on July 3-4.

Louis Hill left a legacy in the Park

Outdoor news

Bull trout talk

Sports news

Academic all-state

Community news

Glass recycling

Federal land transfer is a bad idea

National Forests and Bureau of Land Management lands belong to all of us. They do not and should not belong to the states in which they exist. These federal lands are much too important to be managed by state agencies guided by politicians. With federal ownership, each of us has a potential say in how these great landscapes are managed, no matter their location.

We cannot afford to not expand Medicaid

In response to a letter to the editor by Dr. Matt Bailey stating that we cannot afford Medicaid expansion, I completely disagree. We cannot afford doing without Medicaid expansion. More specifically, the hospital where Bailey is a board member can certainly not afford to do without Medicaid expansion.