Thursday, August 31
Motorcyclist dies after hitting power pole near Whitefish
Alcohol, drugs and speed are suspected as factors in a fatal motorcycle crash near Whitefish on Aug. 29, according to Montana Highway Patrol.
Wednesday, August 30
Whitefish football falls to Hamilton in season opener
Whitefish had a challenging opponent for their first game of the season, taking on a Hamilton team that had defeated them last year in the State Class A Football playoffs.
Council briefs
The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously to adopt updated housing and rental prices, and the fee in lieu of affordable housing for the voluntary Legacy Home program at the Aug. 21 meeting.
Student Art: ‘Let them Live’ by Elias Anderson
The art featured above is called "Let Them Live" and is a pen drawing by Whitefish High School senior Elias Anderson in the WHS class Art 2: Advanced Art.
Few hospitalizations result from small uptick in Covid-19 cases
The Flathead City-County Health Department has seen a slight uptick in Covid-19 cases reported to them in the past few months.
Lady Bulldogs score double digits against Frenchtown
Scoring double digits in a soccer game could, by most accounts, be considered a good day.
Whitefish gets two hat tricks in victory
Whitefish had lofty goals heading into the 2023 season and the Aug. 26 road opener was naturally an excellent step forward toward them with a 10-0 victory over non-conference foe Frenchtown.
Bulldog golf competes in Missoula
The varsity Bulldog golf teams competed in the two-day Corvallis Invitational.
Cross country kicks off season in Libby
Although the country team is still working to get the full team eligible, Coach Richard Menicke said it was a great first meet for the Bulldogs on Aug. 25 in Libby.
City Council approves budget including tax decrease
The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to approve the city’s 2024 fiscal year final budget, totaling $51 million.
Kevin Duff, 55
Kevin Arthur Duff died Aug. 22, 2023, in Kalispell.
History - Looking Back for August 30, 2023
Dave Morris, posse member and Howard Wood, posse major, are two Whitefish men who have been active in the organization for years.
Whitefish volleyball places second at tip-off tournament
Whitefish volleyball placed second at the NWA/SWA Tip-Off Tournament in Columbia Falls on Aug. 25-26.
Researchers find that national parks protect wildlife in surrounding areas
Fresh research from the University of Montana, international partners and NASA-affiliated scientists suggests that parks do indeed enhance bird diversity inside their borders. Large parks also support higher diversity of both birds and mammals in nearby unprotected areas.
David Michael Fredericks, 66
David Michael Fredericks, 66
Police Calls: G.I. Joe lookalike part of park photo shoot
A fanny pack and a backpack were found at a location on Depot Street.
City Council preview for Sept.5, 2023
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Sept. 5, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Volunteer writing coaches sought in Flathead County
Coaches help students by encouraging them to think critically about writing assignments so they can become confident and competent writers across subjects, according to a press release.
Flathead Bread focuses on home-baked artisan loaves
Flathead Bread is committed to baking healthy and organic bread and uses local ingredients whenever possible.
U.S. News ranks Whitefish third among Montana high schools
Whitefish High School ranked third among Montana public high schools for the second consecutive year, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best High Schools.
Montana schools working to comply with new state laws
During the past two months, school administrators and elected trustees in Great Falls have pored over changes to 28 local policies governing the lives of students, teachers and parents. Some are minor tweaks.
Home Ranch Bottoms hosts two shows this weekend
Home Ranch Bottoms near Polebridge will welcome John Lowell to the stage along with his duo-mate (and wife) Joanne Gardner on Friday, Sept. 1.
Impact of proposed bond for Whitefish High School expansion decreases
Voters are set to decide the bond election during a mail-in ballot on Oct. 3.
Sparrow's Nest marks 10 years of helping homeless teens
Ten years ago this summer, I found myself sitting in a meeting at United Way discussing the issue of homelessness among our teen population here in Flathead County.
Students deserve expansion of high school
We urge everyone to support the upcoming bond vote and the future of Whitefish High students with the academic and sports upgrades our students and teachers deserve.
Confusion continues over planned Whitefish River bridge
A planned bridge over the Whitefish River and trails that connect to the path along the river as part of a major mixed-use development have hit several snags.
Montana Department of Revenue sees record number of appeals to property tax appraisals
The Montana Department Revenue has received the highest number of appeals for property tax appraisals since 2015, before the state went on a two-year reappraisal cycle.
U.S. News ranks Whitefish third among Montana high schools
Whitefish High School ranked third among Montana public high schools for the second consecutive year, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best High Schools.
Legals for August, 30 2023
WTC holds auditions for ‘Kalamazoo’
Auditions for “Kalamazoo” will be held on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Taking a look at the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter
In late August it was reported that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had entered their “final days.”
Tuesday, August 29
Grizzly killed in self-defense in Whitefish Range
A pair of men from Whitefish were scouting for hunting season around the Smokey Range Trailhead off Canyon Creek Road on the Flathead National Forest when they stumbled upon an adult bear and a cub in a thick section of forest, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Whitefish students head back to class
Most schools around the valley start the 2023-24 school year this week, including the Whitefish School District and Whitefish Christin Academy.
Sunday, August 27
Kalispell boarding house offers affordable rent in community setting
Kalispell’s last remaining boarding house might not look like much, but the building is quietly playing an important role in providing affordable housing to people who might otherwise be living on the city’s streets.
Wednesday, August 23
Bulldog golf starts its season in windy conditions
The Whitefish High School golf teams traveled to Shelby for the Browning Invitational on Aug. 18 at the Marias Valley Golf and Country Club.
Winners from the library Edible Book Festival
The annual Edible Book Festival and Celebration on Aug. 5 marked the end of Summer Fun 2023 at the Whitefish Library.
Police Calls: Reckless driving and fireworks in August
A caller locked his keys in his truck which was running, with the air conditioning on and his dogs inside, too.
Retired insurance agent supports youth, community through the decades
Growing up in Cut Bank playing several sports, Tim Murphy noticed something.
Student Art: ‘Chelsea’ by Bridget Goldberg
The art featured above is called "Chelsea" and is a linoleum block print on tissue paper by Whitefish High School freshman Bridget Goldberg in the WHS class Introduction to Art.
Senior leaders key for Whitefish cross country
When it comes to cross country, seeing the time it takes to finish a run get shorter and shorter is just as exciting as a leaping catch in the endzone or a powerful spike over the net.
Rain expected to assist fire efforts
Hoping to take advantage of forecasted precipitation for the area, fire crews continue to battle the East Fork Fire west of Olney.
In A Nutshell: Creating long-term impact through collaboration
Amidst this disheartening reality, we all learned that we can’t find solutions to food insecurity in isolation but instead have to address its root causes, poverty and systemic inequalities.
Lady Bulldog volleyball readies for season
With just one player graduating from last year's 13-win Whitefish volleyball team, the Lady Bulldogs have been working hard in the offseason and are ready for 2023.
Whitefish boys soccer hungry for another postseason run
With several state championship trophies, the expectations for the Whitefish Boys Soccer team are pretty lofty.
Council Briefs
Whitefish City Council voted unanimously at its meeting last week to enact an emergency ordinance continuing the stage 2 fire restrictions.
City’s summer camp program dishes out fun for all
The Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Camp Program has been making summers fly by for children since the program began in 2009.
GOP strategy to help the housing crisis is to increase homeowner property taxes
Across western Montana, people are being squeezed out of their homes and communities by rising prices.
William “Bill” A. Harrison, 72
William “Bill” A. Harrison died Aug. 5, 2023, in Columbia Falls, Montana.
Pamela Ann Schuessler, 64
Pamela Ann Schuessler died Aug. 12, 2023, in Columbia Falls, Montana.
Theresa Ann Kennedy Petersen, 85
Theresa died Aug. 15, 2023, in Whitefish, Montana.
History - Looking Back for August 23, 2023
Terri Wheeler of Whitefish captured first place in the girls 100-yard low hurdles event with a performance of 14.4 at the National AAU Junior Olympic championships held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Glacier seeks public input to improve visitor experience
Glacier National Park is seeking public feedback through Sept. 30, 2023, on how visitors will access and experience the park in 2024.
Results from the 2023 Northwest Montana Fair
Results from the 2023 Northwest Montana Fair
Excitement builds ahead of Bulldog football season
Summer workouts were also productive for the Bulldogs, who are looking to take on a tough Western A Conference once again.
Eagles Tribute Concert plays two nights
The Eagles Tribute Concert band will play two nights only on Sept. 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Senior leaders key for Whitefish cross country
Coaches stress the importance of getting better each week so athletes will be running their best at the end of the season when it counts the most.
Report says Montana should adopt better wildland zoning for local government to curb fires
As wildfires dot the Western landscape, and a popular, historic Hawai’ian town is overrun by flames, a recent report about wildfires and zoning may become even more critical.
Legals for August, 23 2023
Tuesday, August 22
Rain assists with firefighting efforts
The lightning-caused fire burning in heavy timber and difficult terrain on the Flathead and Kootenai national forests remained at 4,614 acres as of Tuesday morning.
Game animal numbers a concern for Northwest Montana hunters, survey shows
Hunters in Northwest Montana, while mainly satisfied with harvest opportunities for deer and elk, are concerned about game animal populations, according to a survey launched by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in late 2022.
Sunday, August 20
FEC Roundup for Safety awards nonprofit grants
Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety board of directors on Aug. 10 awarded $33,986 in support of community safety projects proposed by nonprofit organizations.
Friday, August 18
Mandatory evacuation ordered near Olney amid red flag warning
A wildfire west of Olney expanded its footprint Friday as authorities warned nearby residents to leave the area as critical weather conditions threatened to further fan the flames.
Pre-evacuation warning issued for homes near Olney, Stryker
Residences near the East Fork Fire south of Stryker were placed under a pre-evacuation warning Thursday evening as winds whipped up fire activity.
Wednesday, August 16
Hot, dry weather increases fire activity
A wildfire burning on the Swan Range blew up Tuesday afternoon, sending off a massive plume of smoke that was visible across the Flathead Valley.
Student Art: ‘Mountain Majesty’ by Kira Raines
The art featured above is called "Mountain Majesty" and was completed using watercolor and pen by Whitefish High School sophomore Kira Raines in the WHS class Art 1: Painting.
How the WHS Class of 1958 wrote a book on growing up in Whitefish
It began with a chat, as many things do, and an idea was planted, a seed sprouted, and viola! a book was written.
Alvin "Phil" Phillip Olson, 87
Alvin “Phil” Phillip Olson, age 87, of Columbia Falls, Montana passed away Aug. 6, 2023.
The Flathead Rapids’ Adult Co-Rec soccer league
The Flathead Rapids’ adult co-rec soccer league ran from June to August this summer.
Whitefish man arrested after standoff given deferred sentence
A man arrested following a police chase and standoff near Columbia Falls in April 2022 received a six-year deferred sentence in Flathead County District Court late last month.
New owners freshen up Whitefish Westside Market
Nestled on the west side of Whitefish is a gas station and market that has undergone big changes during the last year.
Volunteers sought for river cleanup
The 2023 Flathead Waters Cleanup event returns Saturday, Aug. 12. Flathead Rivers Alliance seeks volunteers for the three forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River.
Police Calls: Taste in music at issue
A female wearing shorts and a hoodie kept falling off her bike on Colorado Avenue.
Northwest Montana Fair opens this week
The 2023 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 16-20 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell and will feature a performance by country star Russell Dickerson, three nights of PRCA Rodeo action and a Big Air Bash.
Council approves necessary Whitefish code amendments
The latest state legislative session passed a number of bills that caused Whitefish City Planners to make amendments to the city’s codes regarding zoning, subdivisions and architectural reviews.
Looking Back for August 16
User fees for campgrounds and picnic areas in the 16 National Forests of the five-state Northern Region had been discontinued, Regional Forester Steve Yurich announced.
Glacier receives $300,000 for habitat restoration, addressing climate change
A roughly $300,000 infusion of federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support Glacier National Park’s efforts in restoring natural habitats and addressing the effects of climate change, officials said this week.
Donations help two injured in Clydesdale Outpost food truck explosion
Online fundraising efforts have so far raised over $30,000 each for boutique ranch Clydesdale Outpost co-owner Matt Arnold-Ladensack and employee Jordan Glosser, who each suffered extensive third degree burns after the food truck they were working in exploded Aug. 1.
Suspect in custody after alleged car theft at airport
A man is in custody after he reportedly stole a car from the Glacier International Parking lot Saturday afternoon according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
No felony charges in DUI fatal at Blue Moon
The motorist accused of striking and killing a 21-year-old from Columbia Falls while drunk in March faces a trio of misdemeanor charges related to the fatal collision.
How the WHS Class of 1958 wrote a book on growing up in Whitefish
It began with a chat, as many things do, and an idea was planted, a seed sprouted, and viola! a book was written. If only that were the case.
Council approves ballot initiative to allocate some resort tax funding for housing
Last week, the Whitefish City Council adopted the ballot language and the ballot initiative to allocate 10% of the city’s resort tax toward affordable housing.
WTC to hold auditions for classic ‘Lost In Yonkers’
The Whitefish Theatre Company is holding auditions for its first mainstage production of the 2023-24 season.
Whitefish School Board approves 2023-24 district budget
After brief discussion, the Whitefish School Board approved the final budget for the upcoming school year at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
City Council preview for Aug. 21
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Aug. 21, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Couple completes vision for property on Big Mountain
In contrast to phase one of their construction project near Whitefish Mountain Resort, the second phase nearing completion is more modern while still tying in some rustic elements.
Judge sides with young activists in first-of-its-kind climate change trial
A Montana judge on Monday sided with young environmental activists who said state agencies were violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by permitting fossil fuel development without considering its effect on the climate.
Seek the truth about grizzly bear management
Delisting grizzly bears is becoming a hot topic both in our state and nationwide.
Legals for August, 16 2023
Thursday, August 10
Simulated active shooter training exercise at middle school Friday
Emergency service personnel will be conducting a training exercise that will simulate an active shooter incident on Friday, Aug. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Whitefish High School.
Wednesday, August 9
The government is not better at spending your money than you are
I just came driving back from Seattle and the price of gas is very expensive in Washington. But interestingly, you go across the border to Post Falls, Idaho for 5 miles and the price drops 60 cents per gallon from Spokane and $1.30 per gallon lower than Seattle.
Derek Schulz inducted into MT Coaches Hall of Fame
A longtime Whitefish High School track and field coach, Derek Schulz, was recently inducted into the Montana Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame.
Whitefish kicks off new Growth Policy update process
The City of Whitefish will be holding a public meeting to kick off its new Vision Whitefish 2045 Growth Policy Update on Thursday, Aug. 24.
North Lake fire contained; fires near Hungry Horse still raging
The human-caused wildfire on the north end of Whitefish Lake in the Stillwater State Forest was contained last week.
New Explore Whitefish executive director looks for balance
Whitefish’s longtime struggle with balancing tourism with a peaceful way of life ramped up when the pandemic triggered extremely rapid population growth.
Railroad memorial statue finds new home at train depot
The life-size bronze statue depicts a railroad engineer, hands on knees with a slight bend in his back, listening to a young boy before him who is holding a model train engine in his hands.
Annual Great Fish Community Challenge opens with launch party
Whitefish Community Foundation kicks off the ninth annual Great Fish Community Challenge on Thursday, Aug. 10 with the Great Fish Launch Party at First Interstate Bank in Whitefish.
NVMS offers summer music tech camp for middle school students
North Valley Music School offers a Music Tech summer camp for youth and invites young musicians to enroll.
Despite criticisms, Glacier National Park officials see upsides to ticketed entry system
Glacier National Park’s pilot vehicle reservation system has drawn criticism in recent months, most vocally from U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, but officials say data shows that locals are still getting in while visitor experience has improved.
Union ratifies new contract with Logan Health
Service Employees International Union 1199NW has ratified a new contract with Logan Health, which union representatives say raises wages by 20% over the next two years, including 11.5% upon ratification.
FVCC Foundation Festival of Flavors event raises $45,000 for scholarships
The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation’s summer Festival of Flavors event evening raised $45,000 for student scholarships.
WHS grad builds pavilion by hand to earn Eagle Scout
A beautifully constructed pavilion now stands at the Whitefish Airport off East Second Street. The natural wood pillars combined with steel roofing and an intricate sign make the new addition to the airport stand out to passersby.
Police Calls: Reckless drivers and a sinking manhole cover
A white Ford with Idaho plates was cited for parking in an area clearly marked ‘no parking’ with a sign and yellow paint.
WTC announces 2023-24 season beginning September
Whitefish Theatre Company, celebrating 45 years of quality community theatre, world music and more, is proud to introduce its 2023-2024 season.
Financial support to keep Alpine Theatre Project alive
Our state’s early fathers that tagged Montana as “The Treasure State”, undoubtedly anticipated the founding 20 years ago by three adventurous creative Broadway souls of our local treasure — The Alpine Theatre Project.
Ane Petersen Shields, 71
Ane Petersen Shields passed away on July 23 surrounded by her loving children in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 71.
Northwest Montana farmers respond to extreme drought
Northwest Montana agricultural producers are adapting this summer as they deal with the most extreme drought that the region has experienced in more than 20 years.
Two people survive plunge off Sun Road in Glacier National Park
Two people survived when their car plunged off the Going-to-the-Sun Road Thursday afternoon.
Glacier Park’s Artist-In-Residence application period
The application period for artists to apply for the 2024/2025 Glacier National Park Artist-in-Residence Program opens Aug. 6, 2023.
Hospital Corner: Emergency Department ready for summer surge
On one recent afternoon, all eight patient rooms in Whitefish’s emergency department were occupied, seven patients were in the waiting room and two ambulances were en route.
Student Art: ‘Duality’ by Molly Phillips
The art featured above is called "Duality" and was completed using watercolor and pen by Whitefish High School senior Molly Phillips in the WHS class Art 2: Advanced Art.
Looking Back for Aug. 9
Water rights in the State of Montana and particularly those in the Flathead area were the subject of discussion by Nancy Leifer of the University of Montana Biological Station at Yellow Bay, Bigfork, Montana, at the Whitefish City Council meeting.
Legals for August, 9 2023
Friday, August 4
Whitefish Lake water level nears historic low
People with large boats are advised to consider taking their vessels out of Whitefish Lake early this summer as the water level nears an all-time low.
Thursday, August 3
Stoltze land public access closed due to fire danger
Columbia Falls-based F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. plans to close its land to public access on Monday, Aug. 7 due to elevated fire danger.
Flathead County moves to stage 2 fire restrictions
Flathead and Sanders counties will move to stage 2 fire restrictions beginning Saturday, Aug. 5.
Wednesday, August 2
Whitefish resort tax reallocation for full time residents
Twenty five percent of the 3% resort tax we all pay in Whitefish is refunded to property owners on their tax bills.
Russell Giesy, 72
R.D. passed away quietly at home in Whitefish, on July 17, 2023, after a 9-year battle with lymphoma.
Robert McLeod, 87
Robert Norman McLeod, 87, of Bozeman, Montana passed away surrounded by family on Friday, July 21, 2023.
Survey gauges Whitefish residents' attitudes toward tourism
A Whitefish tourism group is asking residents to take a survey that gauges attitudes toward visitation.
City Council preview for Aug. 7
Whitefish City Council meets on Monday, Aug. 7, beginning at 7:10 p.m. at City Hall.
Pavement preservation work begins on Big Mountain Road
Roadwork on Big Mountain Road is set to begin on Monday, Aug. 7 and will extend through Labor Day. The work will pause for the winter and then resume next summer.
Glacier Twins claim third place at Legion Baseball State A tourney
Maddox Muller was sterling in relief and the tying run was on third in the seventh inning Sunday, but the Glacier Twins lost 3-2 to the Laurel Dodgers at the State A Legion baseball tournament.
North Lake Fire remains active; 17 more fires crop up around Flathead
A wildfire that started on the north end of Whitefish Lake on Saturday was 80% contained as of Monday morning according to Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation officials.
Council approves annexation, zoning requests on two properties
The Whitefish City Council employed the new zone change upon annexation process for the first time at last week's meeting.
Local hockey player to play top Junior A level in Canada
The future of ice hockey is bright, thanks in part to the Glacier Hockey Association turning out stellar young players.
12U baseball team heads on trip of a lifetime to Cooperstown Dreams Park
After beginning playing together in 2020 when the world of sports was temporarily stalled by the pandemic, a 12U baseball team out of Whitefish has experienced much success.
Heinrich Ratz, 91
Heinrich “Henry” Ratz, 91, was delivered into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 29, 2023.
Cawdrey Gallery features Montana artist
Cawdrey Gallery is honored to exclusively represent and feature legendary western artist W. Steve Seltzer for Whitefish Gallery Nights on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023 from 5-8 p.m.
Father-son duo look to provide adventure through e-bike shop
Montana E-Bikes and More is the result of three generations of bike and adventure lovers.
Conservation of common loon a priority since critical low in the 80s
Around the early 1980s, lakes in Montana began buzzing with the increasing noise of boats and motorized personal watercraft.
Glacier National Park Conservancy receives grant for Wheeler Cabin
The Glacier National Park Conservancy has received a Montana Historic Preservation Grant for the preservation of the Wheeler Cabin in Glacier National Park.
Student Art: ‘Window Pains’ by Matthew Ramsey
The art featured above is called "Window Pains" and was completed using watercolor and pen by Whitefish High School sophomore Matthew Ramsey in the WHS class Art 1: Painting.
Authorities investigate fatal shooting at Rexford Bench boat launch
Two men are dead after a shooting Wednesday afternoon at the Rexford Bench boat launch on Lake Koocanusa in Lincoln County.
Glacier Jewish Community presents Nefesh Mountain band
The Glacier Jewish Community/B'nai Shalom is hosting the bluegrass, Americana-roots band Nefesh Mountain on Thursday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish.
Home Ranch Bottoms hosts Comedy in the Woods
The Home Ranch Bottoms in Polebridge, Montana recently announced its biggest event of the summer, Comedy in the Woods, planned for Friday, Aug. 11.
Citizens for a Better Flathead hosts raffle party
Citizens for a Better Flathead will be celebrating 31 years and hosting its annual Great Place Raffle Party on Aug. 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Northwest Montana History Museum (Museum at Central School) in downtown Kalispell.
Emergency shelters open in Flathead, Lake Counties for wildfire evacuees
An emergency shelter for people displaced by wildfires burning in Flathead County opened Sunday night in Kalispell.
Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect for Whitefish, Flathead County
Whitefish Interim Fire Chief, Travis Tveidt joined Northwest Montana fire managers and decided to enact stage 1 fire restrictions across the region beginning July 29.
Looking Back for Aug. 2
Preliminary estimates on the year’s city budget showed an increase of $214,414 over last year’s fiscal expenditures, with a total budget of $780,399 expected.
Logan Health – Whitefish receives 5-star rating
Logan Health — Whitefish received a five-star overall rating, the highest designation available for hospitals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The Montana Lakes Conference in town
Blue lakes, clean reservoirs, and native trout streams dot Montana’s landscape. Montanans embrace them, visitors enjoy them and folks from outside the state are moving here to live next to them.
Police Calls: Intoxicated people in cars, busses and on bicycles
A construction worker thoughtfully called in to ask about the noise ordinance and what time they could start work.
The price of UTBS
I know my response to the "Under the Big Sky" festival is a hair late, but there is something I would like to get off of my chest regardless of whether or not this note gets published.
Montana Viewpoint: The Goose Hisses
(A French finance minister of long ago compared collecting taxes to plucking a live goose. The object was to get the greatest amount of feathers with the least amount of hiss. Dogs growl, geese hiss.)