Ellington

Bigfork couple scrap effort to hold weddings

The owners of a rural Bigfork ranch have halted their pursuit to hold weddings on their property after the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee on Thursday weighed in on a three-year-long neighborhood conflict.

GOLF: Bigfork's Potkonjak wins Libby Invite title

LIBBY — Bigfork senior Joseph Potkonjak shot a 3-under 69 to claim medalist honors at the Libby Invitational golf tournament on Friday at Cabinet View Golf Course.

LETTER: Thoughts about annexation

Pursuit of annexation of surrounded properties or property that can only be accessed by going through the city (any city) is reasonable. The benefits of city infrastructure extend beyond sewer and water and are often enjoyed by these property owners.

Glacier plows reach Big Bend

After a streak of warm weather caused avalanches to halt snowplows on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, crews were able to clear snow from Haystack Creek to Big Bend this week.

Solonex asks judge to reverse DOI decision to cancel Badger Two Medicine lease

A Louisiana-based oil and gas company is asking a federal judge to reinstate an oil and gas lease in the Badger Two Medicine region just south of Glacier National Park.

A final wish fulfilled

Sharon McGregor of Kalispell is familiar with overcoming illness. In 2005, she received chemotherapy treatment for a brain tumor that turned out to be benign. She’s also had polycystic kidney disease most of her life.

Judge orders shooter to work with head trauma victims

A Columbia Falls High School student has received six months of probation for shooting a paint ball at a junior high student last October. He’ll also have to do volunteer work with head and eye trauma victims.

Man admits shooting at other Bigfork hunters

A Columbia Falls man was given a one-year deferred jail sentence on Wednesday for shooting toward other duck hunters on opening day last year.

Myths And Facts About LASIK

(NAPSI)—For those with vision correction needs, the daily rituals required in order to see clearly with glasses or contacts can be a real struggle. So it isn’t surprising that so many people consider LASIK as an attractive alternative to treat their vision correction issues. Although it is incredibly popular, LASIK is surprisingly misunderstood. Like many things that make their way into cultural norms, LASIK’s prevalence and success have led to the rise of many myths about the procedure. If you are among the millions considering LASIK, the American Refractive Surgery Council is here to dispel some common myths about the laser vision correction surgery:

RUNNING: Bigfork's Hughes wins excellence award

PUEBLO, Colo. (April 26, 2016) – Colorado State University-Pueblo cross country and track standout Bailey Hughes, a junior from Bigfork, was the recipient of the 2016 Threlkeld Prize for Excellence at CSU-Pueblo, Wednesday, which is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates excellence in academic and co-curricular activities as well as in service to the university and to the community.

Man admits shooting at other Bigfork hunters

A Columbia Falls man was given a one-year deferred jail sentence on Wednesday for shooting toward other duck hunters on opening day last year.

Bigfork center launches 'rebirth'

The Bigfork cultural center is moving back to its roots in art after being known as a museum for decades.

Broken printer turns into a learning tool

It is free time at Glacier Gateway Elementary School. Addy Connelly shows one of her kindergarten students how to cut wires with needle nose pliers.

Energy bill could be good news for Glacier Park maintenance backlog

An energy bill supported by Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines could be good news for Glacier National Park’s maintenance backlog.

GOLF: Bigfork's Potkonjak chooses Carroll College

BIGFORK — Bigfork senior golfer Joseph Potkonjak signed to play collegiate golf at Carroll College on Tuesday.

Disagree with Zinke on CFAC

We are writing in response to Congressman Ryan Zinke’s latest editorial on the cleanup of the CFAC site outside of Columbia Falls. Zinke continues to push the idea of state control despite the fact that Glencore stopped talking to the state over a year ago. At that point the EPA stepped in and since then Glencore has actually started to take some steps towards a cleanup. We encourage residents of Columbia Falls to question Zinke’s assumptions that a Superfund designation leads to a stigma that hampers growth and property values. 

Close Call for Jonkel

State media gave much coverage to passing of international bear expert, Dr. Charles Jonkel, earlier this month. Both Chris Peterson and Larry Wilson wrote fine articles last week, so it’s my turn. Don’t remember circumstances when our paths crossed 60-some years ago but certainly remember we liked each other because we were intrigued by bears … especially grizzlies.

Touring FWP's hatcheries a fishfull experience

Senior recalls lightning strike as a child

Virginia Brown will never forget a lightning storm she experienced when she was a little girl.

Art projects challenge eighth-graders

Every Columbia Falls Junior High art student anticipates completing an extended learning project during eighth grade.

Richard King

Richard King was called peacefully to heaven April 11 to be with his wife, Martha and his grandchildren, Trista King and Chris Weaver. He was a cowboy at heart and music lead him down his path to happiness.  He worked many years at Canyon Logging with his humorous personality.  He’s played in most bars, grange halls, senior centers and campfires across the valley to Eureka. He enjoyed his 90 years. 

Kats drop a pair in softball

Boys tennis gets a couple of Ws

Track sweeps Iceberg Invite

New web site features some of best trails in Montana

Health clinic opening in Hungry Horse in a few weeks

Flathead City-County Health Department is opening a health clinic in the Canyon Elementary School May 26. School District 6 approved a building use agreement with the health department at its April board meeting.

In Kent case, jury won't see entire medical bill

The jury in the case of a skateboarder who died on a bike path in Columbia Falls won’t see an entire $153,000 medical bill as evidence.  

TRACK: Bigfork girls shine at Top 10 meet

MISSOULA — Glacier’s Annie Hill set a pair of meet records as the top runners in the western half of the state gathered for the Russ Pilcher Top 10 meet on Tuesday.

No deje que su carro empeore sus alergias

(NAPSM)—

Enjoy A New Thriller

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Congress Should Make It Easier for Taxpayers Who Still File by Mail

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Three Ways To Improve Your Spring Workout

(NAPSI)—As the weather improves, spring is the perfect time to ease back into working out. “The sooner you start, the easier it is to achieve your goal,” explains Tom Holland, exercise physiologist and Bowflex Fitness Advisor. “Small changes spread out over more time is the secret to success.” Holland recommends these three ways to improve your spring exercise routine.

Ten Ways To Get Prepared For Planting

(NAPSI)—When the weather warms, many people's thoughts turn to how to make sure their yard is in tip-top shape for planting. These 10 tips can help get your garden off to a great start:

Weed Out Gardening Injuries this Spring

(Family Features) Gardening has many health benefits, but you need to ensure that you're not putting undue strain on your body.

5 Tips to Remove the 'Pain' from Painting

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3 Ways to Find Financial Happiness This Year

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TRACK: Vikes, Vals each second at Seeley-Swan

MISSOULA — The Bigfork boys and girls both finished second in the team standings and had four individuals winners on a wet, damp day at the Seeley-Swan Invitational at Missoula County Stadium.

GOLF: Bigfork's Potkonjak second at Thompson Falls Invite

THOMPSON FALLS — Ryggs Johnston of Libby shot a tournament record 68 to win the Thompson Falls Invitational at River’s Bend Golf Course on Saturday.

Officials ID fatal crash victim

Authorities have identified the person killed in a Thursday afternoon fatal collision on Montana 35 as a Bigfork man.

Glacier Park's Many Glacier Road is now open

Glacier National Park’s popular Many Glacier Road is now open to motorists. The east side road is a favorite for wildlife watchers, though it’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Columbia Falls.

GOLF: Stetzner sizzles at Old Works; Bigfork boys finish third

Caleb Stetzner shot a personal best, along with a school record, 6-under 66, to easily claim medalist honors at the Anaconda/Deer Lodge Invitational on Thursday at Old Works Golf Course.

Lawsuit challenges federal bull-trout recovery plan

The Alliance for the Wild Rockies and Friends of the Wild Swan filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court Tuesday, challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s recovery plan for bull trout, which was finalized last September.

Park Service: Visitors spent about $199 million in Glacier Park bedroom communities last year; but it's also an economy of service jobs

Visitors spent about $199 million in gateway communities while visiting Glacier National Park in 2015, according to a new Park Service report. That’s up about $6 million over 2014 and up $26.6 million from 2012.

Columbia Falls High School students share why graduation matters

Columbia Falls High School freshmen and sophomores filled the Little Theater earlier this month to listen to anonymous essays written by students. Graduation Matters club members read the essays out loud for the second Speak Out, a program to encourage underclassmen to find their voice and decide for themselves why it’s important to graduate.

Stillwater Christian High School presents 'The Heart of Robin Hood'

The Stillwater Christian High School drama program will present “The Heart of Robin Hood” this weekend, Friday, April 22, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 23, at 4 p.m., at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

Glacier will hold meetings on fishery plan

Glacier National Park announced last week it has begun drafting a comprehensive plan to address the impacts of climate change and aquatic invasive species throughout the park’s vast network of lakes, ponds, wetlands and streams.

Glacier Park will hold meetings on fishery plan

Glacier National Park announced last week it has begun drafting a comprehensive plan to address the impacts of climate change and aquatic invasive species throughout the park’s vast network of lakes, ponds, wetlands and streams.

Glacier National Park looks to add a bike shuttle next month

Glacier National Park officials will likely start a new bike-shuttle service May 7 to ease congestion and parking at Avalanche Creek this spring.

Inspiration For Your Next Vacation

(NAPSI)—Dreaming about a getaway can seem easier than planning one. From choosing a destination to narrowing down lodging and transportation, getting a vacation on the calendar takes some legwork. But once it's booked, you immediately reap the benefits. Experts say vacationers actually feel most happy before their trips thanks to the anticipation, according to a study in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life. To help you enjoy the happy effects of travel planning, try these tools that can streamline the process.

What the H? Rhum Finally Arrives to the Cocktail Party

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Even Experienced Investors May Not Fully Realize Downside Risks of Index Funds

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William “Bill” Robert LaValley

William “Bill” Robert LaValley 93, of Columbia Falls, died April 11, 2016 at his home at high noon with his family by his side.  Bill was born March 18, 1923 in Ogema White Earth County, Minnesota to Raymond and Emma LaValley.  

Zinke: CFAC needs state oversight

During my last visit home in the Flathead, in between spring cleaning and shuttling my son to his track meets, I read an article in the paper about Senator Tester’s visit to the CFAC facility in Columbia Falls. Only a month earlier, I made a similar visit to gauge the progress that’s being made. As a Flathead native, it gives me great relief and optimism that this issue is receiving the attention it deserves and that crews are making progress. People should be engaged because we are all in this together, and it affects us all. While there is some difference in how we get to the goal, I think we all agree that Glencore must be held accountable and the site must be fully cleaned and restored so that it can once again contribute to, not weaken, the community. 

About the 'Itch Thing'

The 2016 pro baseball season is just underway and last Friday April 15th. I watched the New York Yankees get bombed by the Seattle Mariners in New York, 7 to 1. Great game with a few new rules but couldn’t help noticing one of the most important rituals is still an integral part of the “great American pastime.” Did deep research on that matter in 1993 that is something all fans should understand:

Remembering bear expert Chuck Jonkel

Dr. Charles ‘Chuck’ Jonkel passed over The Great Divide this week. He never owned property on the North Fork, but spent so many years here researching bears that I feel he was an actual North Forker.

Twins open season this week

The Glacier Twins expect to look in top form when they take the diamond for their season-opener next weekend in Missoula.

Wildkats throttle Stevensville, now 5-1

The Columbia Falls softball team is now 5-1 on the season after beating Stevensville 7-0 in a nonconference game at home Saturday.

Cats take second at Missoula, do well at Flathead Invite

Tanner Dana won the 100 and 200 meters and was third in the 400 as the Columbia Falls boys track team took second at the Missoula County Public Schools Invitational Saturday.

Salvage sale won't be fast tracked

The Flathead National Forest will have to prepare a formal environmental assessment on a proposed salvage sale in the Trail Creek Fire burn near the Great Bear Wilderness.

Columbia Falls grizzly moved to North Fork

A 3-year-old male grizzly bear was captured April 10 at a private residence along Tamarack Road northwest of Columbia Falls. The 211 pound bear was captured by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear and lion specialist Erik Wenum after the resident reported a bear had killed some of his young chickens.

Controlled burns scheduled in Glacier Park

Two prescribed fire projects are planned along the Inside North Fork Road area of Glacier National Park in the next month, depending on weather and fuel conditions.

Duchess announces tour stops in the Flathead Valley

It’s a rare treat to sit down to a fine meal in fine company and to keep those seats through a delightful evening of entertainment. And it’s even better when the entertainment is Duchess, a trio of women from New York City, with three beautiful voices, whose joy it is to sing in harmony, and make them one. It will be an evening reminiscent of dinner and a show at a famous big city night club such as Café Carlyle or The Oak Room.

An Eye To The Earth

(NAPSI)—A unique beauty treatment for the eye can help make the world a better-looking place. That’s because in honor of Earth Day, Kiehl’s Since 1851, the venerable purveyor of quality skin and hair care, will donate 100 percent of net profits, up to $50,000, from special editions of Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado to the not-for-profit Recycle Across America. The funds will be used to create standardized recycling labels for schools. Kiehl’s has already raised $300,000 for the organization.

TENNIS: Vikings, Vals sweep Loyola

MISSOULA — Bigfork’s girls notched a pair of wins and the boys topped Missoula Loyola Sacred Heart but fell short against Valley Christian.

Board OK's early retirement incentive

The School District 6 Board approved the concept of a retirement incentive program for the district’s teachers at last week’s meeting, but it’s subject to a final vote at the May meeting. Superintendent Steve Bradshaw added the item to the agenda at the start of the meeting. The board members said they can’t approve it without giving public notice.

High School Play: Technology creates comedy, chaos

Columbia Falls High School students will act as young professionals in the spring play starting this Friday.

Bigfork folks share history tales

Cinco consejos para el cuidado de los ojos

(NAPSM)—El Instituto Nacional del Ojo (NEI) le anima a que haga su salud ocular una prioridad y que tome cinco medidas importantes para proteger su vista.

Five Tips On Moving

(NAPSI)—According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 12 percent of Americans move to new homes every year. The next time you’re among them, you may be able to save time, trouble and money when you choose a professional mover—you won’t have to worry about renting equipment, paying hidden costs, handling heavy or bulky items and being responsible if something goes wrong.

Felines and Fleas: A Dose of Prevention is Key

(Family Features) It’s a common belief that indoor cats don’t need protection from parasites, such as fleas. While cats that stay indoors are at lower risk than those who spend the majority of time outside, the potential still exists for infestation. Preventive care is the most important step cat owners can take to help ensure a long and healthy life for their furry friends.

DIY From the Inside Out

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Understanding the Yawn

(Family Features) Yawning is a natural part of everyday life, yet this simple phenomenon has some rather curious and mysterious features.

GOLF: Bigfork boys win title in Plains

Libby's Ryggs Johnston medalist once again

PLAINS — Ryggs Johnston carded a 68 to edge Caleb Bates of Thompson Falls by a stroke for medalist honors at the Plains Invitational golf tournament on Saturday.

TRACK & FIELD: Bigfork girls win Eureka Invite

Host Eureka claims boys title

EUREKA — A few local athletes piled up the podium on a fast day at the Eureka Invitational track meet on Saturday.

Get into Glacier for free this weekend

Glacier National Park plow crews ran into some rough weather the past couple of days and are currently at the Haystack Creek slide, which is just beyond the popular Bird Woman Falls Overlook on the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Forest Service reverses course on trails budget cut

The Forest Service has reversed course on a trail maintenance budget cut for Montana and other states in the Northern Region. Both Montana Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester criticized a move by the Service last week that would shift funds from states like Montana to southern regions where there are more people.

Bike path may see a modified route to West Glacier

The extension of a bike path from Coram to West Glacier should happen this summer, but the exact route likely won’t be determined until the bids come in, said Glacier to Gateway Trail president Sarah Dakin.

Eighth-grader receives scholarship for SAT score

Once again Columbia Falls Junior High students took the Scholastic Aptitude Test this spring, a test that high school juniors and seniors across the county take for college entry. This year nine eighth-graders from Paula Koch’s advanced studies class decided to take the SAT Challenge hosted by the Montana Associate Gifted and Talented Education.

Quilter finds the craft therapeutic

Chrystal Higgins began sewing when she was 8 years old.

'Cowabunga Variety Show' hits Bigfork

The 14th annual Cowabunga Variety Show fundraiser presented by Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre and Bigfork ACES after-school program will be at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Bigfork on April 15-17. In past years this event has raised more than $10,000, with proceeds being used for special projects such as the Children’s Theatre and ACES building getting a new roof, a fresh coat of paint inside and out and new flooring.

Don't Let Your Car Make Your Allergies Worse

(NAPSI)—You don’t have to let the joys of warm weather driving be diminished by the irritating pollen and pollutants that can be drawn inside through your car’s air-conditioning and ventilation systems.

What You Need To Know About Duct Cleaning

(NAPSI)—According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually in a typical six-bedroom home, which raises the question, is duct cleaning important to indoor air quality (IAQ)? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts.

Three Steps To A New Home

(NAPSI)—Whether you’re diving into homeownership for the first time or looking to move into a larger or smaller home, here are the three things you should know before you begin your search this spring:

Study Finds Boomers Are Sinking Their Teeth Into Looking Younger

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Fire banquet thank you

Columbia Falls Volunteer Fire Department wishes to thank all Flathead Valley businesses that so generously donated awards, and door prizes, to our annual firefighter’s award banquet. Your generosity helped make our banquet a great success. Thank you to our community of Columbia Falls. We appreciate your continued support throughout the year.

About Personal Problems

T

Opposes salvage logging

Dear Editor,

Spring has sprung on North Fork

In the valley it is definitely spring. Seventy degree weather, green grass, lilacs leafing out and no snow anywhere. On the North Fork it is spring too. Not quite as summer like as in town, but still spring.

Great perching on Flathead Lake's East Bay

“We could have made today a lot worse than it is,” said Jim, replying to his wife’s question at home about how fishing had been last Friday.

Audrey Stacy

Richard Dougherty

Marie Linsenbardt

Natasha Victoria Belston

Getts starts off tennis season undefeated in first matches

Campbell-Queen's homer lifts Kats over Glacier

With the game knotted up at two apiece and a light breeze blowing out of the outfield, senior Morgan-Queen sent a pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning just over the left field fence to put the Kats up for good against Glacier Monday night. It was Campbell-Queen’s second dinger of the season as the Kats won 6-3 over the AA Wolfpack at home.

Sports briefs: Carroll soccer coming to C-Falls

Glacier Park to renew trail ride contract

Glacier National Park has released a prospectus for a new concession contract to operate Guided Interpretive Horseback Trail Rides and Pack Animal Services within the Park.

Judge: Decision to not list wolverines was the wrong one

A federal judge last week found that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service erred when it decided to not list the wolverine under the Endangered Species Act in 2014.

Private Security And Its Expanding Role In Law Enforcement

(NAPSI)—Having your identity stolen is an eye-opening experience. Even more eye-opening is the response you may get when calling police to report the crime. That’s because it’s become more common today to receive a follow-up visit at your home, not from that police agency, but from a representative of a private security firm specializing in identity theft.

TRACK & FIELD: Fast times at Flathead Mini

The sunshine and warm temperatures of the last week never showed up, but it didn’t slow down the athletes at the Flathead Mini Invite on Tuesday, with 13 boys and 12 girls setting qualifying marks or bettering their marks from earlier this month.

City has plenty of public works projects on tap for this summer

Columbia Falls will have plenty of public works projects on tap this summer, said public works director Grady Jenkins. One of the biggest projects will actually be completed by the end of April, as contractors will reconstruct Second Avenue West to accommodate sewer, water and provide overflow parking for the new Cedar Creek Lodge.

Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation collaboration offers youth guitar classes

When the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation and Bigfork ACES after-school program decided to collaborate and offer a beginner guitar program for students in grades 5-8, they were hoping to enroll at least six young students. But when enrollment opened, it quickly became apparent they were going to have a much bigger class.

Former pilot pens second Vietnam book

After flying fighter jets in Vietnam, Pete Hendricks created a home by building a cabin in the woods of the Flathead Valley.

Wildfire burning in Bob Marshall Wilderness, already

The fire season has already begun in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The Elk Hill Fire near the North Fork of the Sun River was apparently started April 9 by a campfire that wasn’t completely out.

Wisdom of Experience: Lessons From Boomers and Retired Investors

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Think Your Data is Safe? Think Again

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Tests show, save for minerals, city water is virtually pure

Columbia Falls residents don’t have to worry about lead contamination in their water. In fact, the city’s water supply is some of the cleanest on Earth.

Four Steps Toward Getting Your Mower Set For The Season

(NAPSI)—April is National Lawn Care Month. It’s a great time to celebrate the beginning of warmer weather and the beauty of your outdoor landscape. And what better way to observe National Lawn Care Month than by getting your lawn mower ready for the season?

Tips For Cleaning Your Kitchen

(NAPSI)—While many find joy in the comfort foods of winter, spring provides a chance to embrace a fresh approach to your eating habits. The following tips will put a spring in your step and get you ready for this temperate season:

Fertilize Your Way to a Great Looking Lawn

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Tips to Get Your Yard Summer-Ready

(Family Features) Although you may be itching to get back outside, before you can relax there’s work to do. After enduring the wear and tear of fall and winter, most yards need attention to get back into summer shape.

Perfect Patio Escape

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5 Simple Tips for Birthday Bash Success

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Tech Transforms Dining Out Experience

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TRACK & FIELD: Bigfork girls win host invitational

BIGFORK — Logan Morley ran a pair of blistering races for the Vikings but it was the Bigfork girls who stole the show, winning the team title at the Bigfork Invitational on Saturday.

TENNIS: Libby sweeps dual from Bigfork

BIGFORK — Libby dominated Western B dual action with Bigfork on Friday, the girls claiming a 4-2 win while the boys cruised to a 5-1 score.

Pickup, semi, collide on Highway 206 south of Columbia Falls

Two people were injured after the Dodge pickup truck they were driving was hit by a southbound semi tanker truck Saturday morning on Highway 206.

Hikers and bikers can get into Glacier's high country this weekend; but be avalanche aware

The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed to motor vehicles beyond Lake McDonald Lodge, but hikers and bikers this weekend can get into the high country if they want to, though the avalanche danger is currently rated as considerable, so people should use plenty of caution.

Many Glacier Hotel will see $13.56 million in work over next two years

The Many Glacier Hotel will be a busy place this summer — not just with tourists, but with hammers and saws and construction equipment. The Park Service announced that contractor Swank Enterprises has been awarded a $13.56 million two-year contract to complete work on the 101-year-old hotel’s south annex. Swank began work earlier this month. Work includes electrical, fire prevention, plumbing and other remodeling.

Bigfork Art and Cultural Center celebrates opening

The newly imagined Bigfork Art and Cultural Center will hold a grand opening event and celebration Friday, April 8, from 5 to 8 p.m.

A New First Step to Helping Solve Infertility

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Big Changes for Billionaire Apps Mogul and Animation Legend Talking Tom

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Driver in high-speed chase required to pay $7,500 for lost cookies, other damages

A woman who took police on a high-speed chase last summer through the Canyon received a six-year deferred sentence last week and was required to pay about $7,500 in restitution. 

Spring open burning ends April 30

Open burning season, requiring no permits, is open until April 30 in Flathead County. Permits are required in May and June.

Wolf numbers holding their own, FWP says

The minimum count of wolves dropped slightly in Montana, but it wasn’t statistically significant.

Jarvis releases rule changes for Park Service fundraising

The National Park Service is looking to ease rules a bit for nonprofits and other entities that raise funds for Park Service projects.

Bigfork Community Players present 'Dearly Departed'

The Bigfork Community Players will present the comedy “Dearly Departed,” by David Botrell and Jessie Jones, at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts on April 8, 9, and 10.

Weathering The Storm Of Today's Climate

(NAPSI)—From glamorized weather programs to sitcoms and the Academy Awards, we are flooded daily with weather and climate-related messages. Throw in today’s political climate regarding these concerns and there is one messy storm brewing. Have Americans’ opinions become clouded by climate fatigue, and what impact can this have if we are facing a “point of no return” in the near future?

Columbia Falls teen crashes car into Trumbull Creek

A red Ford Escort car ended up in Trumbull Creek Wednesday afternoon after colliding with the guardrail while driving eastbound on U.S. Highway 2. The 16-year-old driver from Columbia Falls was taken to the hospital. There were no passengers.

At Columbia Falls Pizza Hut, moms grateful truck that wrecked didn't go through window

No one was injured when a dark red Ford F-150 pickup truck with a topper ended up on the sidewalk and bushes at Pizza Hut Wednesday afternoon, narrowly missing the building after the gas pedal apparently stuck on the rig. 

Flathead Bank acquired by First Interstate

First Interstate Bank on Wednesday announced it is buying Flathead Bank for $34.2 million in cash.

Homeowners Beware: Are Termites Feasting on Your Home?

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Beat Belly Bloat Before You Hit the Beach

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Make the Most of Your Greater Fort Lauderdale Vacation

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'Buy a Brick' for Bigfork High School

Big concerns over proposed mine near Smith River

This billboard on Highway 2 by the old Costco site gets me riled every time I see it.

Kats softball 1-1 in Polson

The Columbia Falls girls softball team split the bill to open its season in Polson Saturday. The Wildkats lost to Belgrade 9-2 in the opener, but beat Butte Central 4-1 in non-conference action.

Former F. H. Stoltze vice president gives history talk

There’s a story behind every photograph in Ronald Buentemeier’s rare collection of images from the early days of logging the Flathead Valley. He knows most of the tales from memory, down to the exact date and place on a map.

Columbia Falls softball 1-1 in Polson

Kimmy Palumbo

Kimmy Palumbo, 56, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at her home in Coram. She is survived by her husband Michael; children Michael II, Joshua, Gabrielle; and sister Jennifer. A memorial service is pending at this time. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Theodore F. “Ted” Wirkus

'I Love You'

After almost fifty-eight years of married life, it is a natural and deeply meant thing for me to tell First Wife Iris, “I love you,” often several times in one day. Sometimes I use that expression as a thanks when she brings me a warm up for coffee while I’m reading the paper, or reminds me to take my pills. “I love you” is an inseparable part of our life and I can’t exactly explain the difference, but it is not the same as when we met, went bananas, and started our life together.

Native plants in Alaska, Canada

North Valley Hospital is now under KRHS

The governing boards of the Flathead Valley’s two primary health-care providers have finalized an agreement to create a formal affiliation between the two organizations.

Glacier's Sun Road opens to Avalanche for hikers, bikers, only for now

Glacier National Park will not be opening the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Avalanche Creek to vehicles this week as first reported.

Bigfork teen sentenced for a string of crimes

A Bigfork teen is headed to boot camp after committing a handful of crimes that include a car chase, writing bad checks, going on a burglary spree and stealing a vehicle.

GOLF: Bigfork boys win team title at Eureka Invitational

EUREKA — Libby senior Jonny Cielak won his second straight tournament to start the Class B golf season but the Bigfork boys took home the team title at the Eureka Invitational on Tuesday.

After long journey, Blackfeet bison don't want to get off the truck

The gates were opened, but the bison wouldn’t budge. Such are the hazards of planning an event around a wild animal. A tractor-trailer truckload of bison from Canada’s Elk Island National Park, once descendants of an original Blackfeet herd from 1873, came home to a Blackfeet ranch on Monday night.

Forest plan delayed until May

Commissioners deny bridge changes

Flathead County commissioners on Monday unanimously rejected a request for several changes to the controversial bridge connecting Dockstader Island to the North Shore of Flathead Lake.

Experience Florida, Off the Beaten Path

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Skateboarding lawsuit set for jury trial in May

A lawsuit involving the death of a Columbia Falls skateboarder is set to go to trial May 2 in Flathead County District Court.

7 Places Mosquitoes Might Be Hiding in Your Yard

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Better-For-You Baking Substitutions

(Family Features) Watching what you eat doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to all your favorite foods. With some simple substitutions you can enjoy healthier versions of the baked dishes and desserts you crave.

5 Hacks for Greener, Happier Living

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Bone Up on the Beef Counter

(Family Features) If you find yourself overwhelmed at the meat counter, know that you’re not alone. There are literally dozens of different cuts of beef. Add that to the plethora of labels gracing today’s food packaging, and it’s not hard to find yourself confused.

Last Minute Tax Tips

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LETTER: Grizzly bear facts - not fiction

In January, I submitted an op-ed to the Inter Lake titled “The Grizzly Killing Fields” questioning the haste of the states in dividing up grizzly hunting quotas while the bears were still listed as “threatened.” I questioned the need, effectiveness and wisdom of hunting the state animal because of the following:

Repair or replace? State, county ponder best fix for iconic Swan River Bridge

The Montana Department of Transportation and Flathead County are in the initial stages of a feasibility study to determine whether Bigfork’s historic Swan River Bridge will be repaired or replaced.

LETTER: Many issues to be studied in bottling plant

Regarding the permit application by property owner Lew Weaver for a bottling plant, below are issues that clearly need to be legally resolved before being “rubber stamped” with an OK. If not, Montana taxpayers will be left holding the bag for the costs associated with this private business owner’s operation. Not to mention the very real potential for “water wars” between neighbors, farmers, ranchers.

LETTER: Global warming will have huge impact on Montana's economy, outdoor heritage

Our climate is changing and global temperatures are soaring. NASA climate data shows that January 2016 was the hottest month ever recorded — until February broke January’s record.

Super Fans From LA Meet Star of Harry Potter Movies in London

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LETTER: Thanks to all who helped with science fair

The Flathead County Science Fair committee would like to thank the Flathead Valley community for helping out with the science fair this year. It is the support of the whole community that leads to a successful event like this, which can change the lives of our area students. Many of our local kids went on to the State Science Fair in Missoula, and put on a good showing there as well.

Avalanche danger 'considerable' this weekend

With warmer temperatures forecast through the weekend, the Flathead Avalanche Center issued a “considerable” avalanche danger warning for elevations above 5,000 feet Friday morning.

Flathead National Forest trails budget cut 10 percent; could get even worse

The Flathead National Forest will see a 10 percent cut in its trails budget this year as the Forest Service shifts trail funding from the north to the south.

Caviar and second-graders: Native recalls success in caviar business

Louann Mohn is a fourth generation-resident of the Flathead Valley, but her ancestors came here by chance.

Save Money And Energy

(NAPSI)--Here’s a cool idea: If your refrigerator is 15 years old or older, replacing it with a new ENERGY STAR

The American Red Cross Helping Military Families

(NAPSI)—For many American military families, the transition home from deployments can be challenging. Fortunately, there are free, confidential programs that can help.