Ellington

Mayor wants to stop train whistles

Mayor Don Barnhart says it’s time to do something about noisy train whistles in Columbia Falls, and he’s willing to shut down one of Columbia Fall’s two at-grade railroad track crossings to quiet down passing trains.

Cell phone ban passes first reading

The Columbia Falls City Council at their July 16 meeting unanimously approved an ordinance banning the use by drivers of handheld electronic devices, including cell phones.

Echo Lake homeowner loses shoreline, protects home

Black tarps line the edge of the Hanson property on Echo Lake. They have sandbags stacked up on top of them and lake water laps up against them.

Montana Co-op to take farmers markets online

Montana Co-op presented their virtual farmers market project to a group of about 30 residents, farmers and gardeners at the Essential Stuff Project’s monthly meeting at Clementine’s on July 18.

Youth Conservation Corps teams up with hatchery to build outdoor classroom

Thump, thump, thump.

Whitefish man pleads guilty to meth trafficking charge

A 27-year-old Whitefish man has pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The charges allege Kenneth Daniel Chrestensen was part of a drug trafficking business that moved dozens of pounds of meth from California to Flathead County.

Board issues ultimatum for Swan River Inn

Flathead City-County Board of Health and County Health Officer Joe Russell agreed Thursday to issue an ultimatum to Margrit Matter, owner of Swan River Inn in Bigfork, to take a course to improve food safety or face the threat of legal action to close the restaurant.

An old friend's visit adds new perspective

I’ve lived here for nearly eight months and I finally made the time to go to Glacier National Park.

Attitude allows 'crazed gunmen' to exist

I read a quote once that amounted to the fact that if you don’t decide beforehand to do the right thing when it matters, then when presented with the opportunity, you will likely do nothing.  

Comments sought on guard rail proposal

The Montana Department of Transportation is seeking comments on a proposal to install a guardrail and concrete barrier rail on about 0.7 miles of Highway 93, north of Lakeside. The project begins 0.8 miles north of Lakeside, at reference marker 99.8 and extends north for approximately 0.7 miles ending approximately 2.7 miles south of Somers at reference marker 100.5.

Rollins Fire Department's 35th annual barbeque set for July 29

The 35th annual Rollins Fire Department turkey and buffalo barbeque is set for July 29 at the Rollins Community School House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise funds to update and refurbish the department’s fire engine and to help solve the water problems at the Rollins Community Club House.

Dragon boat festival expected to bring revenue to valley

Twenty-two people sat in rows of two from head to tail, with one person manning the front and one at the back of the 46-foot long dragon boat that pushed off from Flathead Lake Lodge’s boat dock for a practice run on the lake Thursday morning.

Bigfork School Board prepares for fall semester

The Bigfork School Board accepted four donations to the district, talked about preparations for the upcoming school year, and met Bigfork High School’s new Spanish teacher, Suzanne Hines at their meeting on July 18.

FWP decides on North Shore State Park WMA farming project

Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region One has completed an environmental assessment for a proposed action involving agricultural activities being performed by a private operator to supplement agency activities aimed at improving food and cover managed as wildlife habitat at the North Shore State Park/Wildlife Management Area in Flathead County.

Somers School Board prepares for next year

The Somers School board discussed the preliminary budget for the upcoming school year, requirements for students’ medication and bus routes at their meeting on July 17 at 7 a.m.

Flathead sets the scene for murder mystery novel to be released next week murder mystery nove

The Flathead Valley sets the scene for a new murder mystery novel, “Sapphire Trails,” that’s set to launch at Festival of the Arts next week by award winning writer Marilyn Jax from Minneapolis. Jax has family history in the Bitterroot dating back to 1906 and has vacationed at Mountain Lake Lodge for the last 12 years.

Cyclists assist local MS patients

A group of 25 cross-country cyclists with Bike the U.S. of MS recently stopped in Whitefish to lend a hand with a few service projects. Led by founder Don Fraser, the group organizes cross-country bike trips that raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis research and volunteer activities for MS patients.

Paddleboard shop riding wave of success

Lorang signs with Carroll College

Carroll College head basketball coach Brandon Veltri has announced that Bigfork Viking senior guard Ian Lorang has committed to attend Carroll College and play basketball for the Fighting Saints next fall.

Cocinado to perform for Riverbend

An evening of Latin rhythms and musical fun will lighten and brighten the summer evening when the popular band, Cocinando, plays at the Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park in Bigfork on Sunday, July 29 at 7 p.m.

State senator forms PAC to oppose Obama

U14 All-Stars back-to-back state champs

Glacier U13 Babe Ruth takes state

Miniature horses provide therapy for the elderly

Cassandra Wilson gets “all goose bumpy” just remembering the day that launched Wee Whinnies Therapeutic Minis.

Branstetter named WMS principal

Memorial service for Marjorie and Sandy Bolstad

A joint memorial service for Marjorie (Moos) Bolstad, 91, who died Dec. 24, and her daughter Sandy (Bolstad) Walker, 72, who died March 21, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 28 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35, in Bigfork.

Huckleberry Fest set for Aug. 11

For 31 years the second Saturday in August has meant huckleberry pie, huckleberry treats, arts, crafts and music on the shores of beautiful Swan Lake. The 31st annual Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival will get underway at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Swan Lake Day Park near mile marker 72 on Montana 83 and will run until 4 p.m.

City Hall group leaning toward current location

City hires firm to study downtown parking sites

Resort Tax collections spike in May

Food bank amps up fundraising

Beaver Lake temporarily closed to boats

State Legion baseball tourney in Whitefish

The Glacier Twins will host the AA American Legion Montana State Tournament at Memorial Park in Whitefish on July 31 through Aug. 5.

Boy Scouts answer Ferndale Fire Department's call

Bigfork Boy Scout Troop #1923 certainly lived up to their “Be Prepared” motto when they answered the call to help the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department at last Saturday’s Community Appreciation Day Bison Burger BBQ fundraiser event.  Record-breaking crowds of hungry guests meant extra work for the firefighters at this year’s event.  As soon as our call went out to the local Boy Scout troop, we knew that help was on the way!  Hours of hard work by sharp-looking scouts really made a strong impression on everybody involved in our most successful fundraiser ever.  The Fire Department extends its heartfelt thanks for a job well done to Boy Scout Leader Rod Driver, Scouts Kegan Driver, Mack Paine, Tyler Iverson, and Tyler’s dad, Dale Iverson.  Scouts lead the way.  They always have.  They always will.

'True Community' represents a return of values

The nation’s people and media are talking on and on about the horrible shooting in the Aurora, Colo. movie theater incident.  Subjects range from ‘gun control’, to ‘better security in public places’, and to actually ‘seeing this as a good reason for more average citizens to be armed in order for immediate retaliation’.

Senate must block confirmation of U.N. Arms Trade Treaty

Treaty negotiations on the UN Arms Trade Treaty are slated to wrap up on July 27 when President Obama signs the U.S. on as a participant. In May, Congressman Rehberg was successful in blocking funding to advocate for or agree to any provision of the treaty that would restrict the Second Amendment rights of American Citizens or further regulate U.S. firearms users or manufacturers through the Fiscal Year 2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill.

Rollins Fire Department's 35th annual barbeque set for July 29

The 35th annual Rollins Fire Department turkey and buffalo barbeque is set for July 29 at the Rollins Community School House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise funds to update and refurbish the department’s fire engine and to help solve the water problems at the Rollins Community Club House.

Glacier 13-U Babe Ruth wins state title

The Glacier 13-U All Star Babe Ruth team won the state championship on July 15. The Glacier team is made up of seven players from Columbia Falls and six from Whitefish, including one girl.

Swimmers snapping up pool records

Five Columbia Falls swimmers have been burning up the pools this season, setting records as they go from meet to meet across the western half of the state.

Columbia Falls swimmers third at Cut Bank

The Columbia Falls swim team took third at the Cut Bank meet last weekend, with strong performances from some familiar names on the team. Zayne Friar won his first high-point trophy at the July 21-22 meet. Swimming in the 12-13 year-old bracket, Friar took first place in the 50 freestyle, the 100 freestyle and the 50 butterfly.

Twins go winless for July

The Glacier Twins AA remain winless in the month of July after dropping six Legion baseball games last week.

Morley family sweeps Cruise run

The Morley family of Bigfork took the top-three places at the Columbia Falls Cruise 6K run on Saturday in Columbia Falls.

Gloria Hudson

Gloria Doreen Hudson, 84, of Columbia Falls, passed away July 19, 2012, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Midyear malaise strikes the economy again

Montanans wait all year for summer. And this year it arrived, in the West at least, right on schedule. For the past two years, a much less welcome event has also arrived on or around the first day of summer — a midyear global economic malaise.

About North Fork boat slides and river toilets

Last week’s column mentioned concerns that at least some recreationists have regarding Forest Service management of the North Fork River. River launch sites at the international border and at Ford Ranger Station were rebuilt last summer, and both have some problems. In both cases, the boat slides are too narrow and too far apart, making launching very difficult for some inflatables.

Women's Connection meets monthly here

We had a delicious buffet luncheon, enjoyed a great program, visited with friendly ladies when attending a joint meeting of Columbia Falls and Kalispell Women’s Connection. It was my first visit to the organization in years, but things had not changed.

Park worker describes rock slide

Bigfork resident Mike Vinson was just 30 feet away from the rock and mud slide that closed a portion of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road on July 17. A sudden rainstorm dropped an inch and a half of rain in 30 minutes that afternoon when the slide occurred.

Smelly neighbors at Red Eagle Lake

There’s a whole host of joys to be had while camping in the backcountry of Glacier National Park. The sounds of birds singing, the breeze blowing, the views of the surrounding hills and, oh yeah, the stink of smoke from the party camping next you toking on some Mary Jane.

Wilderness foundation names new director

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation has a new executive director. Carol Treadwell has been at the helm for about a month now. She replaces Keagan Zoellner, who will stay on in a part-time development director position.

Snappy's pond 14 years old

“This is the first live fish I’ve held in my hands in over 30 years,” said the excited lady standing next to the fish pond in the courtyard of Snappy Sports Senter in Evergreen.

Outdoor news

RAC projects

City in talks with video company

The city of Columbia Falls is currently in talks with a Florida-based video production company about making a 5-7 minute piece to promote the city and attract new businesses and residents.

County takes input on acquiring Discovery Square

About 40 people showed up at the Columbia Falls City Hall on July 18 to provide input on whether the Flathead County Library System should purchase Glacier Discovery Square.

School news

Board opening

Union names its top teachers of the year

The Columbia Falls Teachers Union announced their 2011-2012 Teachers of the Year during their annual end of the year celebration. Recipients were chosen by ballot by their colleagues from each respective school.

Community news

Class reunion

Avalanche victim headed to London

Coram native to compete in Paralympics

Lightning strikes start small fires on the Flathead

Fires will be managed for suppression

State senator forms PAC to oppose Obama

Sen. Ryan Zinke, R-Whitefish, recently announced the establishment of a political action committee aimed at defeating President Barack Obama in this year’s election.

Beaver Lake quarantined for milfoil

The Montana Department of Agriculture on July 18 ordered a temporary quarantine of Beaver Lake, north of Whitefish, closing the lake to all watercraft but not anglers or swimmers.

Biological station to hold open house

The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station at Yellow Bay will hold an open house on Wednesday, Aug. 1, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Conservationist provides a birds-eye view

Local media recently were given a chance to view the mountains and valleys of Northwest Montana thanks to the efforts of Bruce Gordon and his non-profit organization Ecoflight.

Liquor license application complicated by Montana law

Burgertown’s application for an all-alcoholic beverages with catering endorsement license was originally denied due to the restaurant’s proximity to Bethany Lutheran Church earlier this month. Under state law 16-3-306 no liquor licenses can be granted within 600 feet of a church or school. However, on Friday it was found that the county could still approve the license.

Entire Going-to-the-Sun Road now open

Glacier National Park officials opened all 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park to vehicle travel at about 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 19.

Collaboration brings more funds to land managment

The smell of pine and the buzz of mosquitoes leads the way down the shrub and deadfall of a slope to a still pond on the Condon Loop

Heritage Days hoops

The Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce will host the Heritage Days 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, July 28, in downtown Columbia Falls.

Crews continue to remove debris from Sun Road

Public access anticipated Thursday evening

Attorney confident Jesus statue can stay on Big Mt.

An attorney involved in defending the Jesus statue on the side of Big Mountain told people at a town hall meeting in Whitefish on July 16 she is confident legal precedents will help keep the statue where it is now.

A few thoughts about concerts at Peace Park

Flathead Lake Brewing to host benefit for GNPF

The Glacier National Park Fund announce that on Saturday, July 28, Flathead Lake Brewing Company in Woods Bay will celebrate their support for GNPF.

Mutton Bustin' deadline set for July 26

Registration for the Justin Mutton Bustin’ event at the 2012 Northwest Montana Fair is due by July 26. This crowd pleaser features children trying to ride a sheep from one end of the arena to the other, or hang on during the wild ride for more than six seconds.

The Cantrells to perform at Sliter Park on Sunday

Next Sunday’s Riverbend Concert Series performance will be from The Cantrells.

Bigfork High School football practice schedule announced

The following dates and times are for Bigfork High School’s football team’s practices for the upcoming season.

Fall turkey hunting permit applications deadline on July 26

Hunters planning to pursue wild turkeys in parts of western Montana this fall must apply for a special permit by July 26.

FWP Swan Lake lake trout suppression project approved

Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Region One, has completed an environmental assessment for the purpose of continuing an experimental removal of lake trout in Swan Lake.

Bigfork's annual Festival of the Arts set for first weekend in August

Bigfork has a national reputation as one of the nation’s best towns for the arts. And the 34th Bigfork Festival of the Arts on Aug. 4 and 5 certainly proves that the community knows how to celebrate their artistic side.

Bike ride to raise funds for Flathead CASA

A pedal trip from Meadow Lake Resort to Creston or Echo Lake on July 28 will raise money for Voices for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) in Flathead County.

Browning men sentenced for Park poaching

Two Browning men recently were sentenced to probation and restitution for their role in shooting and killing four elk last year inside Glacier National Park.

Commission OK's wolf trapping

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission approved new wolf hunting rules July 12 that include trapping and a more liberal hunting season.

Local outdoor journalist releases book about Glacier

With 600 blog posts, 400 magazine stories, and 17 books on topics from all over the world, local outdoor journalist Bert Gildart is still going strong as a writer and photographer while living in Creston.

Seven $25,000 grants given in honor of Streets

Arnold H. Dillard

New owners dive in at River Street Diner

It’s been a little over two weeks since Colin Meyers and Ryan Quinn became the official owners of River Street Diner in downtown Bigfork.

City OKs Moose's burger sign

Study looks at biomass for school heat

Meet candidate Rodrik Brosten, supporter of education

Meet Candidate Rodrik Brosten running for HD#9, Bigfork area. Rodrik Brosten was born and raised in the Swan River Area.  His schooling was in the public schools of Swan River and Bigfork. These schools prepared him well for his college education.  His family has always been supportive of Montana public schools. His grandmother was one of the early teachers at the Mountain Brook School. Other members of his family served on local school boards.

Whitefish medical marijuana growers sentenced

Flathead living is like living in a dream

Living in Montana is like living in a dream. Some days I wonder what the hell possessed me to pick up shop and move to a place where it is truly a difficult task to make a living.

Fireworks should be restricted in Bigfork

The Fourth of July fireworks began in Bigfork on June 26 and didn’t end until July 8.

Laws are a vehicle for control of all people

Two hundred and thirty six years ago 13 British colonies declared independence and became a free country.

History repeats itself with economy

The future is clear — the severity is in doubt.

Somers Cajun Street Dance set for July 21

For all who’ve been craving a good time, dancing and Zydeco music, the Somers Cajun Street Dance is just a few days away.

Foy's to Blacktail Trails purchase 50 additional acres

Foy’s to Blacktail Trails purchased another 50 acres of land to donate to Flathead County-owned Herron Park.

Somers vintage market rated top 25 in U.S.

It’s 10 a.m. and the line for the Vintage Whites Market stretches halfway around the market.

Softball pitching clinic here Aug. 8

The Columbia Falls Youth Softball Association will host pitching instructor Myndie Berka at the high school softball fields on Aug. 8 from 9 to 3 p.m. The clinic will feature all aspects of the art of softball pitching and is designed for girls from sixth through 12th grades.

Elks crush Twins

The Lethbridge Elks piled on 15 hits in Thursday’s AA Legion baseball game against the Glacier Twins, as the Elks crushed the Twins 14-2 at Memorial Field in Whitefish.

Wildcat swim team takes fourth in Fort Benton

The Columbia Falls swim team took fourth at a meet in Fort Benton last weekend. Complete results were not available by presstime.

Washington man named new head football coach for Columbia Falls

The way football is played at Columbia Falls High School will see some significant changes this fall. The School District 6 Board of Trustees last week approved the hiring of Jackson Schweikert as head football coach. He replaces Bill Coleman, who resigned earlier this year after three years at the helm.

Ashley Trautwein

Ashley Brooke Trautwein, 27, of Kalispell, died May 21, 2012, in Kalispell.

Thomas Arnold

Thomas Wayne Arnold, 60, of Kalispell, died July 9, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nev., due to a heart attack.

Alan Gilham

Alan Gilham, 78, passed away quietly on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at his home in Martin City with his family by his side.

Dora Wilke

Dora Margaret Boyd Wilke went to heaven on angel’s wings on July 10, 2012.

Discovery Square

I am not a mathematician, but somehow costs just do not add up concerning purchase of a Columbia Falls building encouraged by Flathead County Library director.

Energy taxes will impede growth

America has a history of being known as a bastion of economic development and innovation. We have been known for what we produce, and the pride that we take in producing it. But we have veered away from being known as a producer and have instead become a nation of consumers — especially in regards to the one product that we depend on most, our energy.

Tales of the Highline

Featured front-page story in last week’s Hungry Horse News was about Morgan Bell, a Glacier National Park trail crew member who slipped just north of the Rimrocks near Oberlin Bend and slid down the very steep snow field 200 feet, then shot over the high plowed bank onto the paved surface of the Going-to-the-Sun Highway.

North Fork summer in full swing

July has had a hot beginning, and not just because of the weather. As always, the Fourth of July parade at Polebridge started the real North Fork summer.

June reception given for new C-Falls pastor

Liz Young is now a Reverend — but she prefers to be called Pastor. Ordination service was held during the 85th annual District Assembly of Rocky Mountain District, Church of the Nazarene, in Billings, June 28. Dr. Jerry Porter, general superintendent, Rev. Larry D. Coen, district superintendent, and Rev. L. Dewayne Price, district secretary, participated in the service. Peter James Epler, Whitefish, and James R. Kizer, Great Falls, were newly licensed ministers.

Two seasons for bird hunters

Upland game bird hunters have two seasons every year — the fall hunting season and the summer worrying season.

FWP Commission OK's wolf trapping

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission approved new wolf hunting rules July 12 that include trapping and a more liberal hunting season.

Glacier Park wants to relocate St. Mary employee housing

Glacier National Park is seeking public comment on a proposal to construct replacement employee housing in the Swiftcurrent employee housing area at Many Glacier and in the East Glacier Ranger Station compound.

Budworm attacking Park forests

Some forests on Glacier National Park’s east side have died from an infestation of spruce budworm.

Park elk poachers sentenced

Two Browning men recently were sentenced to probation and restitution for their role in shooting and killing four elk last year inside Glacier National Park.

C-Falls man sentenced to five years for burglary and meth

A 25-year-old Columbia Falls man charged with burglarizing Pick’s Bowling Center in Bigfork and Gardner’s RV and Trailer Center in Kalispell and with selling methamphetamine to an undercover agent, all last October, was given a combined sentence of five years in prison with 10 years probation.

Cherry growers trying experimental varieties

Research to boost cherry crops on Flathead Lake were highlighted in a recent tour of local cherry orchards by the Montana State University Extension in Kalispell.

Obamacare rebates expected this summer

About 25,000 Montana residents are expected to receive a rebate from insurance companies averaging $194 by Aug. 1 due to the health reform law, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department.

C-Falls woman wins $25,000 scratch prize

Carrie Reynolds, of Columbia Falls, claimed a $25,000 top prize for the “Sparkling Slingo” Scratch game on July 16 with a ticket from Smokers Express, in Columbia Falls.

School news

Dean’s list

Community news

Class reunion

Summer visit turns into 85-year Park stay

Jack Hoag sits on his porch and watches the waves of Lake McDonald and the hummingbirds in the flower garden with a broad smile on his face. You probably couldn’t ask for a nicer place to spend the summer, and at 97, Hoag has seen plenty.

Slides close part of Sun Road

A short but heavy rainstorm on Tuesday, July 17, caused several mud and rock slides on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, prompting closure of the road between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass.

Mud slides cleared, entire Sun Road reopened

All 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is now open to vehicle travel. Public access between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass resumed at  2:30 p.m. today after park road crews and contractors finished removing debris from the 12 rock and mud slides that occurred Tuesday afternoon.   

High court rules against medical marijuana providers

The Montana Supreme Court recently upheld a ruling by a Flathead County district court judge relating to the sentencing of two medical marijuana providers who were arrested in the Canyon last year.

Two more medical marijuana growers sentenced

Two more people connected with a medical marijuana business on Jellison Road were sentenced to prison in federal court, including the head of an operation prosecutors claim did business across the U.S.

Safety rules for softball need to change

At about 8 p.m. Sunday night, a young girl no older than 12 was a fraction away from losing her eye after a softball she had no chance to catch barreled into her head.

C-Falls man sentenced for last year's drugs, firearms bust

A 35-year-old Columbia Falls man was sentenced in federal court on March 29 to 84 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

C-Falls man sentenced to 10 years for 15-year-old crimes

A 34-year-old Columbia Falls man who was sentenced for forgery and theft 15 years ago was sentenced to two 10-year concurrent sentences with the Department of Corrections after his original sentence was revoked for the second time.

Forest Service issues Island Unit decision

After five years of debate and two environmental assessments, the Forest Service issued a decision to go ahead and add both motorized and non-motorized trails on the Island Unit Trail on Blacktail Mountain above Lakeside.

Crowd of 40 fights on Electric Ave.

Fireworks weren’t the only explosions in Bigfork during the Fourth of July holiday week, as a large street fight broke out on Electric Ave. and noise complaints came from business owners and residents.

New BES assistant principal feels welcomed already

The start of the fall semester is still nearly two months away but Bigfork Elementary School’s new assistant principal, Brenda Clarke, already feels welcomed and has some big plans for the upcoming school year.

New Bigfork artist leaves corporate films for furniture

One of Bigfork’s newest artists has dabbled with paint and wood off and on for the last 30 years and dedicated his life to it since last September.

Waiting for Superman: An Ode to the Bigfork 4th of July Parade

Winter, in my estimation, is the most trying of all seasons. The days are short. The nights are long. And, at times, the nights even seem to consume the days.

Drown selected as WHS principal

Kerry Drown is the new principal of Whitefish High School. The School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to name Drown to the position that was left open after Dave Carlson resigned late last month. Drown has served as principal at the middle school for five years and has worked in the district for 21 years.

Bigfork River Run to fund cross-country

The Bigfork High School cross-country team is sponsoring a run/walk fundraiser on Aug. 11 along the Swan River Trail to keep the program going.

Relay For Life set for July 20

The annual Bigfork Relay for Life will be held at Bigfork High School’s football field and track on Friday, July 20, at 5 p.m. for cancer research, cancer patients and cancer surivivors.

Can the United States deal with Syria without war?

What is the president to do?

Humanity strays from compassion in many ways

 This Sunday morning, just before going to church and listening once again to what Jesus taught, this short news account hit me like a ton of bricks!

Students miss out on opportunity with Molen

I cannot believe the Ronan High School principal would turn away Oscar-winning producer Jerry Molen from delivering a speech to his students. His upcoming new movie, “Obama’s America 2016” may be controversial, but according to Molen, his intended speech was to be “apolitical, inspirational.” I guess the principal didn’t bother asking.

Outrageous appraisals hurt Girl Scouts and landowners alike

If you are a resident who lives in Senate District 3, a businessman, or a Montana property owner, you might want to consider the following information before you vote in November.

A big thank you to everyone in the parade

Each year we celebrate the United States of America’s birthday with the biggest parade in the state, right here in Bigfork.

Migrating birds to get more food and habitat

The fields adjacent to North Shore State Park off Montana 83 could be up for bid in August if the Fish, Wildlife and Parks commission approves Region 1’s share-cropping plan for the Waterfowl Production Area.

Big Arm family fun day should be a blast

It is that time of year again when the Big Arm community comes together to host a Family Fun Day for all local communities.  On July 14 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. the Big Arm school will be the site of the day’s activities to be enjoyed by attendees of all ages.  

Can we deal with Syria without war?

What is the president to do?

Humanity strays from compassion

 This Sunday morning, just before going to church and listening once again to what Jesus taught, this short news account hit me like a ton of bricks!

Migrating birds to get more food sources and wetland habitat

The fields adjacent to North Shore State Park off Montana 83 could be up for bid in August if the Fish, Wildlife and Parks commission approves Region 1’s share-cropping plan for the Waterfowl Production Area.

Blasdel family selected as Grand Marshals

Because of their generosity and willingness to help those who help others, the Blasdel family have been chosen as Grand Marshals for the Lakeside Community Fair Parade on Saturday, July 14.

Somers Boosters formed to help district

The Somers Lakeside Boosters formed a couple of weeks ago to help support the Somers Middle School and Lakeside Elementary School district and facilitate fundraising efforts as the district face additional budget cuts.

New trails approved for Blacktail Mountain

Swan Lake District Ranger Richard H. Kehr Jr. has authorized development of more than 35 miles of new trails on Blacktail Mountain.

Richard Zielke

Frances Mary (Mole) Benson

Annual art festival a success

District begins contractor selection

Local travel app now on iPhone

Library celebrates one year

Ice Den to get upgrades

Police kill problem bear

City looks at new fees for stormwater

Kevin Johnson

Kevin “Cab”’ Johnson, 83, passed away July 4, 2012, following a short illness.

Raleigh Flint

A. Raleigh Flint, 78, went to his Saviour Oct. 4, 2011, in Tennessee.

Ivan Windsheimer

Ivan Andrew Windsheimer, 91, passed away on March 11, 2012, in Kalispell.

Helen Ramon

It is the end of an era for the Flathead, for Montana and for the art world at large with the passing of Helen Huck Voelker Ramon, 97, of Kalispell, who passed away July 3, 2012, at Heritage Place.

Kermit Kvigne

Kermit Sigward Kvigne, 87, passed away at the Montana Veterans Home, in Columbia Falls, on June 27, 2012.

Stan Downen

Stanley, better known as “Stan” L. Downen, 77, longtime resident of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully with family by his side on June 24, 2012, at Health Center Northwest.

Robert Howard

On July 7, 2012, Bob gave up his fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Donita Richardson

Donita Mae Richardson, 50, of Columbia Falls, passed away July 6, 2012, in Columbia Falls. She was born Feb. 18, 1962, in Pomeroy, Wash., the daughter of Roscoe and Bernice (Johnson) Roberts.

Basketball camp awards

The following young athletes did well at the annual Columbia Falls basketball camp put on by coach Cary Finberg and his staff:

Roberts named outstanding wrestler at regional tourney

Columbia Falls grappler Shonn Roberts was named the outstanding wrestler in his weight class at the June 21-27 West Kids and Cadets Regional Championships in Pocatello, Idaho. The tournament drew some of the best wrestlers from across the West.

Swim team takes 2nd in Chester

The Columbia Falls swim team showed some nice improvement over the weekend as they swam in Chester on July 7-8.

Twins on 15-game losing streak

There were no fireworks for the Glacier Twins last week as the Legion AA baseball club fell 4-2 on July 4 to the Billings Royals. The Twins are now 6-31-1 for the season and are on a 15-game losing skid that dates back to May 28.

Sports news

Heritage hoops

Ensuring proper military burials

Cremains of seven Montana servicemen will receive proper military burial with full military honors at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, Friday, July 13, at 2:30 p.m. It is open to the public.

Nonprofit hospitals to benefit from Obamacare

It was late in the year of 2009 that the Democrats in Congress and only the Democrats voted to pass Obamacare into law. Then Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi made the famous statement that “we have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it away from the fog.”

The fiction of the filibuster

“The least man in the chamber, once he gets and holds that floor, by the rules can hold it and talk as long as he can stand on his feet providing always, first, that he does not sit down, and second that he does not leave the chamber or stop talking.”

About liberty and marijuana

America’s criminal jurisprudence rests on this universally-accepted principle — when reasonable doubt exists as to an alleged “evil,” we must choose liberty not government intrusion and punishment. This principle upholds the value of individual liberty and effectively limits state intrusion.

Trail crew leader falls 200 feet onto Sun Road

A female trail crew leader in Glacier National Park was severely injured July 3 after she slid down a snowfield while crossing the Highline Trail and landed on the Going-to-the-Sun Road about 200 feet below.

Small dog survives lion attack

A little dog survived a scary moment with a mountain lion last week at a private residence in Glacier National Park.

Park picks up 120-acre former Doody Ranch

Perhaps one of the most interesting sights en route to Harrison Lake is the old Doody Homestead.

Highway bill could have good news for Sun Road

Congress recently passed a new two-year highway bill that could bring good news to Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Bigamy, adultery and valor under fire

The court martial of a high ranking Army officer that concluded last month in Germany had ties to a Hungry Horse soldier who died two years ago while serving in Afghanistan.

Neighbors sue to stop Swap Meet concerts

Test results from a $40 Radio Shack sound meter apparently persuaded a judge to modify a preliminary injunction and allow Midway Swap Meet to play amplified music until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays — at least through July.

The Bard comes to Columbia Falls

The Columbia Mountain Theater Company will perform its first production, “Shakespeare Makes a Scene,” at the Teakettle Community Center on Nucleus Avenue through the second half of July and into August.

Two plead guilty in meth conspiracy

A Washington woman who formerly lived in the Hungry Horse and Martin City area and her boyfriend have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Community news

Sax concert

School news

Dean’s list

Cancer sparks action by C-Falls businesswoman

Relay for Life takes place here on July 13-14

Medical marijuana providers sentenced in federal court

Two of three Kalispell men arrested last year in connection to a medical marijuana business in Columbia Falls were sentenced last week in federal court in Missoula.

Server farms could rival smelters in power use

The amount of electricity used by giant server farms in the Pacific Northwest that power the Internet continues to grow and will eventually approach the consumption rate of the region’s aluminum smelters 30 years ago.

Bigfork movie producer ready to roll '2016'

Bigfork resident and Oscar-winning producer Gerald “Jerry” Molen said being turned away from speaking to students at Ronan High School ended up generating considerable publicity for his upcoming film, “Obama’s America 2016.”

Basecamp Bigfork brings dog carting to valley

Diversification is one way to keep a business open and busy year-round in Bigfork.

Bigfork resident opens a new bar at Pick's Bowling Center

Poker and keno machines, a pool table, bar stools, and neon signs filled the back corner of Pick’s Bowling Center but no beer has been poured since the center lost its liquor license in January.

We must bring an end to political corruption

How do you like political ads now that lying and corruption are legal?

Hill's positions on education are a step backward

As a retired teacher with 51 years experience in teaching, administration and coaching — the last 17 done without pay and 10 of them in a rural Montana county — I fear for the education of Montana children if Rick Hill were Governor.

Humans are not the cause of climate change

We have been flooded with global warming and climate change claims stating that the evidence is clear, that the debate is closed, that we must act immediately, etc., but in fact there is no replicable (verify by reproduction) scientific evidence that human-caused carbon dioxide emissions cause climate change.

Bigfork Fire Department gives thanks

As of July 1 open burning will be closed until Oct. 1.

Independence is a funny thing

Independence is a funny thing.

Military fly over to start Independence Day parade

Bigfork’s annual Fourth of July celebration is scheduled to bring a 5k run, a children’s carnival, patriotic music from both clock and man, a military jet fly over, a large Fourth of July parade and a rubber ducky race down the Wild Mile to the streets of Bigfork.

City Hall site selection narrowed

Lake cleanup work complete

Effort looks to increase air service

Twins troubles continue

Roberta Noreen “Bobbi” Nygaard

Kermit Sigward Kvigne

Bigfork Art and History Museum celebrates 35 years of local art

The Bigfork Art and History Museum will celebrate its 35th birthday with 35 artists in their July show. Each decade of artwork since the museum opened in 1977 will be represented in “Celebrate! 35 years of Montana Art.”

School board trustees want to keep the public informed and involved

The District 29 School Board hopes that this is the first of many letters describing the ongoing activities of the board. The board is pleased to announce the addition of two new members, John Hollensteiner and Sam Bagley who were seated at the end of May 2012. With the addition of our new members, we look forward to providing more communication regarding our efforts.

Bradley Scott Trogden

Motorcycle bandit gets 14-year prison sentence

The motorcycle bandit is heading to prison.

Lakeside man gets reward for tracking robber

A Lakeside man is getting a payday after his help led to the arrest of the serial bank robber known as the motorcycle bandit.

Somers School Board changes football offer

The Lakeside/Somers School Board decided to re-offer the district’s head volunteer football coach position to Randy Gilpin during their meeting on June 26. Gilpin was the head football coach in previous years as a volunteer but the position had to be re-offered in order to be in compliance with the district’s recently adopted state mandated volunteer policies.

Evelyn Lehman

Evelyn Catherine Lehman, 94, of Columbia Falls, died June 25, 2012.

Victor Nixon

Victor “Vic” James Nixon, 63, died June 25, 2012, at his home in Kalispell.

Barbara Ann Benzien

Barbara Ann Benzien, 67, of Columbia Falls, passed away June 25, 2012.

Evelyn Lundstrom

Evelyn Marie Lundstrom, 92, passed away Jan. 3, 2012, of natural causes at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish.

Deloris Thompson

Deloris Thompson, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on June 25, 2012, leaving behind two sons, Richard and Ronald. Her husband, Charles, and two sons, Teddy and Bobby, had already stepped into eternity.

Reid Divide mountain bike race OK'd

A mountain bike race on Forest Service lands north of Whitefish received approval from the Tally Lake Ranger District.

Glacier Twins' woes continue

The Glacier Twins’ woes continued last week as they failed to get a win at the Sapa-Johnsrud Tournament.

Rumsey takes first in Whitefish Lake Run

Jessica Rumsey, of Columbia Falls, was the winner for the 10K open female class at the Whitefish Lake Run on June 30. Her time was 40 minutes 27.9 seconds. Other Columbia Falls winners included:

Gaiser qualifies for Ironman World Championship race

Scott Gaiser, 50, of Kalispell, the recently appointed interim principal at Columbia Falls High School, placed second in the 50-54 year-old age group in the Ironman Coeur d’Alene event on June 24 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Boys win Shelby swim meet

The Columbia Falls boys swim team took first place at the Shelby meet June 30-July 1.

Border bill

I am really concerned about Rep. Dennis Rehberg. I’m afraid his rough ride in the boat accident affected his memory on our border problems.

Thanks Columbia Falls

Our son Tanner died in October 2007. With broken hearts, we tried to adjust our lives without him.

De-icer ruins cars

This is in response to the question of whether de-icing ruins brake calipers and many other components on the underside of vehicles. 

Political corruption

How do you like political ads now that lying and corruption are legal?

U.S. Supreme Court strikes again

Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock actually had built a pretty good case in Montana’s defense of its Corrupt Practices Act of 1912 before the U. S. Supreme Court.

Death by a thousand cuts

The environmental litigants on the Colt Summit project recently stated, “You can’t continue to cut more and more of the valley without jeopardizing other values. There is such a thing as cumulative impacts and death by a thousand cuts,” thus claiming victory when the judge determined the Forest Service inadequately analyzed the project’s cumulative effects on lynx habitat and sent that portion of the proposal back for further consideration.

Brand new high school dedicated in 1960

Dedication of new $1,660,000 Columbia Falls High School was headline news in 1960. Supt. Dulane Fulton presided at the dedication ceremony. Keys for the building were accepted by Robert A. Sneddon, board chairman, from Gehres Weed, architect. Dean Linus J. Carleton, Montana State University, was guest sneaker.

About Ranger Shannon

It was summer 1979 while son Shannon was climbing the highest peak in Europe, towering 15,781-foot Mont Blanc, when he gripped a climbing rope and couldn’t let go. His hands weren’t working properly. An Army pal plus high school buddy Dan Downey were with him, and the trio had already realized weather had stopped them just above 13,000 feet.

Final Sun Road work outlined

Glacier National Park announced last week that it expects construction work on the alpine section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road will be completed by the end of this year — a full year earlier than what Park officials projected a month ago.

Fundraising for Canyon trail moving forward

Efforts to raise money to build a separated bike path along U.S. 2 from Coram to West Glacier are making steady progress, according to Val Parsons, president of Gateway to Glacier Trail.

Outdoor news

Raft for food

The ABCs of fixing leaking waders

Alert readers of this space may remember a deft reference to “torn waders” in last week’s story. The one-inch tear in the calf section was the result of a losing battle with a gnarly section of barbed wire.

Columbia Falls Relay for Life is July 13-14

This year’s Columbia Falls Relay for Life event will take place July 13-14 at the Columbia Falls High School track. The event starts at 6 p.m. and ends 13 hours later at 7 a.m., event organizer Dina Wood said.

Fatal wrecks are up statewide and in the Flathead

The most dangerous time to be on Montana’s roads and highways continues to be on dry pavement in clear weather during daylight hours. That conclusion and others can be found in the Montana Highway Patrol’s annual report for 2011.

Ticket book on sale for county fair

The theme of this year’s Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo is “Vote for Fun.” The fair will run from Aug. 15-19 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

School news

Youth Challenge grad

Community news

Open burning

Concerns mount over oil exploration near Glacier Park

Concerns are mounting on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation about the impacts of oil and gas exploration on the reservation, particularly wells that could be close to Glacier National Park.

Another outhouse bites the dust

I don’t know why outhouses are the subject of so many stories. Maybe because they’re slowly disappearing from rural America, and even where they still exist, they have been replaced by indoor plumbing — even on the North Fork. Whatever the reason, there is one less outhouse on the North Fork today, and its demise is an interesting, and hilarious, story.