Ellington

Lakeside QRU holds annual open house

Sand and bags being distributed around county

In preparation for flooding, Flathead County recently received another 115,000 bags for sand from the Army Corps of Engineers this week, Scott Sampey, director of the county Office of Emergency Services, said. Officials are trying to get bags and sand delivered around the county so the public can get the materials.

Cat-Dog Smoker slated for June 6

The Glacier Twins will host the Annual Cat-Dog Smoker (sponsored by Hills Brothers Auto Body & Towing) on Monday, June 6 at 7 p.m.

Ellis, Kenyon headed to state

Lady netters finish fourth

Girls roll past competition at divisional

Training class prepares racers for Glacier Challenge

Laurie Emmert

Rain adds to elevated rivers

Muhlfeld to run for mayor

Don K negotiates sign variance

Spike in new home construction

Central work nears end

Charles Mathieson

Charles “WTF Chuck” Mathieson, age 63, passed away May 18, 2011.

Boys dominate at divisional track

The Columbia Falls boys track team literally ran away with the Northwest A divisional title last week, amassing a whopping 201.5 points in an overwhelming performance for the divisional crown.

Getts, Bartkoski take divisional crown

The Columbia Falls tennis teams will send six athletes to the state tournament in Great Falls this week - three girls and three boys - following their performances at the Northwest A divisional tourney in Libby this weekend.

Kats have favorable draw at state

The Columbia Falls softball team took a big lead early against Libby last week and then held on for a 11-10 victory to take sole possession of second place in the Northwest A division.

Getting along in politics not easy

The Missoula City Club recently hosted Congressman Dennis Rehberg at one of our monthly public lunches. Rehberg was introduced by the president of City Club Board. As Dennis approached the podium, I arose from my chair, walked across the room and greeted him, the two of us, alone at the front of the room. We shook hands and exchanged a few words of friendship. I returned to my table, and Dennis began his presentation.

The solution for Badrock Canyon is 'slow down'

In the recent issue of the Hungry Horse News, the front-page headline read "Safety drives interest in highway project," followed by the subtitle "New planning process could speed things up," regarding the U.S. 2 highway project at Badrock Canyon.

The wagers of sin

Gambling is seductive lure to all human beings. Most of us can control it. A few cannot.

The facts about nightcrawlers

Last week a friend asked me, "Do you know how to keep nightcrawlers?"

High country drives flooding

The snow is finally melting. In the last week, the piles of snow under my eaves have gone from being over three feet deep to just a narrow strip of ice, which will disappear today. Side roads and unplowed lanes that were snow-clogged 10 days ago are now dry.

Town payroll quite different in 1950

Good news for the town council 61 years ago was "the town is in the black." Mayor and councilmen heard the news in May, 1951. Total receipts, $37,941.95, were reported since July 1, 1950. Sources of income included tax receipts, $8.042.14; license sales, $1,260; housing project, $8,848.09; water collections, $15,032.24; court fines, $ 317; street, alley department, $1,125.73; special lighting levy, $1,166.42; building permits, $85; wiring permits; $86.85; dog taxes, $87.

Missing boy in C-Falls

A 16-year-old boy from Columbia Falls has been missing since Friday, May 20. Rafael is 5 feet 6 inches and weighs about 145 pounds and is Hispanic. He was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue jeans and a red Spiderman hat. Anyone who has information on him should contact the local police or call 406-885-1217.

Biologists to start up bear capture efforts

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and tribal wildlife managers will soon begin pre-baiting and scientific capture operations as part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.

Park plows three miles past Loop

Plowing continues on both sides of Glacier Park this week. On the west side, crews have completed initial plowing of the Sun Road approximately three miles above the Loop. The crews are encountering snow depths from 8 to 20 feet deep. On the east side, initial plowing was completed a half mile below Siyeh Bend and crews are encountering seven to eight feet on the level. HK Contractors, the contractor for the Sun Road rehabilitation, joined park crews in the plowing efforts on the east side.

Park steps up boat inspections for invasive species

Glacier National Park will step up its boat inspection and permit program this summer in response to the rapid westward migration of aquatic invasive species on recreational watercraft. The consequences of a such an infestation could be devastating to the Park's ecosystems and the local economy.

Scott to lead varsity volleyball team

Twins putting up big numbers

Boys tennis shakes up roster

Lady netters look for upsets at divisional

Bulldogs strong in final tune up

Danczyk to graduate from West Point

Paper work is 'drowning' police

Governor signs DUI reform bills

Spring skiing in Glacier Park

County library board explains Whitefish situation

We, the members of the Flathead County Library System (FCLS) Board of Trustees, have recently come under some criticism in various letters published in area newspapers. We would like the residents of Flathead County to now hear from the board and assure you our desire for a smooth transition.

Special Forces had their start in Montana

The Navy special operations unit which recently took out Osama bin Laden proved that the SEALs are indeed specialists at what they do. As the world becomes more technical and specialized, so does warfare.

Frustrations and adventures

There are deep mysteries for me in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Why should people in their 80s feel regret about the million things they do not know? Why should I keep reading research papers, books and magazines when the more I study, the more I realize how much I'll never know?

Fish poison poses risks to humans

Headlines in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association link the controversial rotenone fish-killing poison with devastating Parkinson's disease - in people. I'm a concerned retired physician, having long ago learned the importance of prevention of illness.

Lutheran Church in 60th year in Columbia Falls

It was 60 years ago in April that plans for Our Savior's Lutheran Church were approved by Home Missions Department of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Announcement was made in April, 1951. Two Easter services were conducted that year.

Just a few questions about boat inspections

Car 1 hugs the center line as it approaches a sharp curve on a narrow road. Almost immediately, Car 2 comes around the curve from the opposite direction. The driver of Car 2 yells, "Pig!" Car 1 continues around the curve and strikes a large pig standing in the road.

Libraries are not like McDonald's

There are still some VHS and books-on-tape available at the Columbia Falls Branch Library. These are temporary, as they will be replaced with DVDs. Some of these are being checked out on a regular basis. If you want anything left on VHS or cassette, you will have to make a point of letting your local librarians know.

Sondreson Hall and the Flying Farmers

Mostly, I enjoy writing this column. The North Fork is special to me, and to the folks I write about, and we have special concerns about how to best preserve the area and the things that make it special. Among those things are the fish and wildlife, the forest, the river, and, of course, the rural lifestyle. That means we often disagree on how to protect the North Fork.

Governor vetoes several important bills

You didn't hear it from me, but I think it's spring

I am probably going to take a lot of heat for the topic of my column this week, but here goes — I think spring is here.

Monk blesses Buddha sculpture at gallery ceremony

Cartoon: 05-18-11

Council debates city manager hiring process

Hazardous waste disposal scheduled

Four special hazardous waste collection opportunities will take place this weekend:

Canyon bike trail meeting May 16

Supporters for construction of a new bike and pedestrian trail from Coram to West Glacier will meet at the Heavens Peak Lodge and Resort, 12130 U.S. 2, in West Glacier, on Monday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m.

Emmerich is winner in school election recount

A ballot recount for the School District 6 board of trustees election resulted in the same winning candidates but with slightly different numbers. Three additional votes were tallied since the results were first announced.

Glacier Institute posts June schedule

Marking its 27th year of providing nature-related educational programs, the Glacier Institute serves adults and children as an educational leader in the Crown of the Continent ecosystem, with Glacier Park at its center.

Sperry Chalet damaged by avalanche

An avalanche has damaged Glacier National Park’s Sperry Chalet, according to Park spokeswoman Ellen Blickhan.

Forest Service campgrounds opening for season

Campgrounds on the Flathead National Forest are opening up for the season. The Holland Lake, Swan Lake and Big Creek campgrounds opened May 12 and are operated by concessionaire Big Sky Recreation.

Warmer weather could mean some flooding

With warming temperatures this week, the National Weather Service has said that small streams in the area could flood and larger rivers could reach flood stage soon.

County growth policy workshops planned

The Flathead County Planning Board will hold a series of public workshops beginning Wednesday, May 18, to take comments on proposed new chapters to the Flathead County Growth Policy. The chapters include one on sand and gravel resources and one tentatively called “Property Owners’ Bill of Rights.” The workshops will be held in the Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Avenue West, in Kalispell, from 6-9 p.m. Current working drafts of all updates and inclusions can be found online at http://flathead.mt.gov/planning_zoning/ and following the “Growth Policy Update – Working Drafts” link found under “Important Notices.” For more information, call Allison Mouch at 751-8200.

Twins take two from Belgrade

Lady Dogs take first at Archie Roe meet

Lady netters down rivals

Grant helps high school renovation

Marijuana moratorium extended

Resort Tax to help fund ballpark

Tennis teams polish off opponents

Cartoon: 05-11-11

Bun pun fun

Back on the radio these days, I'm again going over "daily logs" which are now handled for all area law enforcement divisions through the new 911 Center. Have noticed an occasional report of that weird social behavior called "mooning," but something is missing. That activity seems to have lost its shocking power and media interest. Don't know if it's because society is more tolerant or the latest generation has moved on to other "fun stuff."

Trey Nathaniel Fauske

The beaver and the bear

The beaver pulled itself out of the water beneath me and started chewing on a stick. Well, at least for a few seconds. I was standing on the bank above it, and I had the camera on a monopod resting on my shoulder and tried to ease it down slowly and get a picture of the beaver eating dinner, but no dice.

Road history sparked interest

span.deletedtext { background-color: red; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.embeddedtag { background-color: yellow; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.note { background-color: lime; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; } Judging from the telephone calls, letters and e-mails I have received, readers have enjoyed the history of the North Fork Road, which made up the last two columns. As noted previously, except for very few personal observations, all of the information was taken from a U.S. Forest Service report written by Fred Burnell and was published June 4, 1980.

Fly-casting tips for novices

span.deletedtext { background-color: red; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.embeddedtag { background-color: yellow; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.note { background-color: lime; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; } Judging by the numbers of students in my fly-casting classes, fly fishing very good reason. Fly fishing is fun and can be enjoyed by people of all fishing abilities.

Salvation Army helps us all

span.deletedtext { background-color: red; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.embeddedtag { background-color: yellow; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.note { background-color: lime; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; } Church Women United and Klothes Kloset volunteers are being honored by the Salvation Army Kalispell Corps. A $ 2,500 contribution made possible by Klothes Kloset income was given to Touch of Grace in 2010. A plaque commemorating support for the Salvation Army and Touch of Grace Clinic will be presented during the one o'clock meeting at the Klothes Kloset, Tuesday, May 17. Majors of the Kalispell Corps are Steve and Merry Svenson.

Disappointed in medical marijuana bill

span.deletedtext { background-color: red; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.embeddedtag { background-color: yellow; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.note { background-color: lime; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; } I am truly disappointed in your coverage of Senate Bill 423. I want to know why you are not telling the citizens of Montana the true ramifications of this law. You parrot what the legislature says. You print all the scary words like "scourge," "cartel" and "wild west."

Initiative showed voter intent

span.deletedtext { background-color: red; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.embeddedtag { background-color: yellow; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; }span.note { background-color: lime; background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; } Thursday, May 5, Gov. Brian Schweitzer and three Republican state legislators came to Whitefish to give their view of what was accomplished during the 2011 legislative session. The panel consisted of state senators Bruce Tutvedt, a local rancher, and Ryan Zinke, a retired Navy Seal commander, and Rep. Derek Skees, who works is a construction company vice-president.

Glacier Park campground openings announced

Glacier National Park recently announced campground openings for the summer season. Due to the amount of snow on the east side of the park, some campground opening dates are delayed and could be subject to change if conditions warrant.

Voters approve school levies

Whitefish voters overwhelmingly approved two school levies totaling $271,600 during Tuesday’s school elections. About 60 percent of voters cast ballots in favor of the levies.

Mitchell, Chisholm win school board election, 3rd too close to say

A challenger garnered the most votes in the Columbia Falls school board election, while the count is too close to tell for the third open seat.

Incumbents easily win in FVCC election

According to preliminary results from the Flathead Valley Community College board of trustees election, all four incumbents easily won re-election.

WHS straight 'A' students celebrated

Bulldog netters swat Bigfork, Polson

Girls pile up tennis wins

Resort warns of potential avalanche dangers

River may edge flood level

WCVB increases web traffic

Orozco brings modern skill set

Dumpsters filled with library books

PTA supports projects through grants

LETTER: Representatives deserve respect

Changes underway at the Eagle

Wolves and some food for thought

Regarding an article in the April 20 Hungry Horse News about the delisting of the gray wolf from being "endangered." Caused this writer to comment on the words of one Suzanne Stone, a Northern Rockies representative for The Defenders of Wildlife, an environmental group.

About 'Georgie' and me

It is common knowledge there are two kinds of tears, good ones and bad ones. This week I'm writing about two times I had the "good" kind.

Graupel brings trout to surface

Help! Does anyone have a good recipe for a graupel fly? Before you Google "graupel," I'll tell you it's soft hail or snow pellets. Fishfull Faithful who watch weather forecasts on KCFI-TV are aware chief meteorologist Mark Heyka knows graupel.

Reservoir project was aimed at local flooding

Unique cooperation resulting in Cedar Creek Watershed is one of the most beneficial projects undertaken and completed for Columbia Falls and surrounding area. I am obviously prejudiced as it prevents annual basement flooding in my house.

Logging and road improvements

Due to public pressure, the Flathead County Commissioners visited the North Fork in 1916 and decided to build a bridge at Polebridge which would give west side settlers access to the Inside Road to Belton.

The meaning behind the budget numbers

The recent news about the federal budget, deficit and competing proposals returns me to my own service as a member of the budget committee in the U. S. Congress.

Students present Park's first self-guided historic tour

The newly created historic walking tour of the Headquarters District in Glacier National Park will be showcased during a brown bag seminar on Friday, May 6, starting at the West Glacier Community Building at noon. The brown bag seminar and walking tour will be presented by students of the Whitefish Independent High School.

Glacier Park posts concessioner openings

Glacier National Park officials recently announced the 2011 operating dates for Park concessioners. For general park information, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac or call 406-888-7800.