Friday, April 27
Commissioner candidate claims city, county experience
One of seven Republicans running for the late Jim Dupont’s seat on the Flathead County Commission, Mike Shepard says the most precious thing government officials are responsible for is “the intelligent use of people’s taxes.”
Blue collar candidate wants to be a listener
Flathead County commissioner candidate Glenn Kolodejchuk says he has no agenda and just wants to see county government continue to make efficient use of taxpayers’ dollars.
Five candidates compete for two school board seats
Five candidates are in the race for two 3-year positions on the School District 6 board of trustees this year, including the two incumbents.
Hyatt drops out of commissioner election
Two candidates have dropped out of a crowded local election field.
Thursday, April 26
Sidewalks planned for Sixth Street
Alleged corruption in sheriff's office prompts legislative meeting
School district requests $405,000
School board trustee candidates answer PTA's questions
County to get Mount Aeneas testing permit
Swan River Schools seeks trustees and school upgrades
Ryden Klempel
Ryden Klempel was born March 1 at 8:09 a.m. to Vince Smith and Jessie Klempel of Bigfork at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Ryden weighed 5 pounds, 6 ounces and was 17.5 inches long.
Ferndale author nominated for Agatha Award
Bigfork High student wins people's choice
Foothill Road crash victim identified
Wednesday, April 25
Barbershop choir holds several performances throughout town
Weimer lands second place in Thompson Falls golf tournament
Mack Day's continues record-breaking pace in sixth week
Dot Ann Ricker
Elroy Thompson
Sharon Brown
Golf course hits ground running
Swan Valley looks to brand sustainable businesses
Lady Dogs edge Dillon at net
Health screenings coming to Lakeside
Bulldogs split duals
Academy part of statewide donation
Public input sought on Beaver Creek restoration
Bike path marred by graffiti tags
MDT youth art contest promotes careers in aviation and aerospace
ALERT fundraiser banquet to feature Company Brass jazz band
Jarvi a lifelong educator in Whitefish district
Tucker touts experience with budget, business
Hanson represents those not always heard
Downtown Master Plan to be refreshed
City stands by infill policy
Tutvedt defends legislative record
Boys and girls track teams win at Libby - twice
The Columbia Falls track team took a liking to Libby last week, winning a dual with the rival school on April 17 and then the Libby Invitational on April 21.
Johnson and Zvyagelskiy improve at doubles
The Columbia Falls boys tennis team lost to Libby and Glacier high schools last week, but the doubles team of Parker Johnson and Miroslav Zvyagelskiy continue to get better.
Kats scratch Lady Loggers
The Columbia Falls girls tennis team downed Libby on April 17 by 5-2, but they had a tough time against Glacier High School, losing 7-1.
C-Falls grapplers box well, too
Columbia Falls boxers went 2-3 during the third annual cross-town smoker April 19. The smoker raised funds for the Columbia Falls, Flathead and Glacier high school wrestling teams. Columbia Falls had four boxers in the event.
James posting big numbers in college
Amber James is making her mark on the college softball stage. James, a 2009 Columbia Falls High School graduate, turned in some impressive numbers for the Spokane Falls Community College softball program.
Marjorie Stevenson
Marjorie Jackson Stevenson, 85, passed away April 16, 2012, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell.
Youth softball blastoff day
The Columbia Falls Youth Softball Association will hold their annual Blast Off Day at the Columbia Falls High School softball fields on Saturday, April 28, with softball games playing from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parents can pick up uniforms, and team photos will be taken. Scheduling for 2012 season is still underway. CFYSA is a group of coaches, umpires and parents who are actively involved in softball locally and throughout the state of Montana. For more information, visit online at www.wildkatsoftball.org.
Elizabeth Tarr
Elizabeth Ann Tarr, 74, of Whitefish, died April 15, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Donna Allen
Donna Lee Allen, 66, passed away April 15, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.
Why run for political office?
I am often asked, “Why run for office given the present political environment of distrust, misrepresentation and personal attacks?”
Candidate touts state senate leadership
I am Sen. Bruce Tutvedt. It has been my honor to serve as your Montana state senator for Senate District 3. I live and play in Senate District 3. As a lifelong resident of SD 3, my address and phone number are in the phone book for all to see. I am proud to farm the land my father and grandfather farmed before me.
Pardon Joe Cosley - phooey
As always, columns about North Fork homestead days have generated the most positive comments from readers. That included columns this winter about early-day rangers Norton Pearl and Frank Liebig. I have to admit I had a little bit of a hidden agenda in writing about those two interesting men.
Foreign relations
National media went wild this month and high ranking U.S. government officials went wilder after reports leaked out regarding Secret Service agents and military personnel bringing prostitutes into their hotel in Cartagena, Colombia.
Tax credits should be voted on, not automatic
Good politics is not always good policy. Legislative Referendum 123 is a good example of that.
Rehberg's sportsmen bill gets a mixed review
Rep. Denny Rehberg was co-sponsor of a bill in Congress last week that recognizes the right of hunters, fishermen and recreational shooters to use federal lands. But not all sportsmen are happy with the new legislation.
Late April fishing sites abound in the Flathead
If you’re looking to get the kinks out of your fishing rod, here’s three spots that should provide good late April fishing action.
Nonprofit teams up with Stoltze for summer camps
The Ravenwood Outdoor Center has been getting kids out in the woods for nearly a decade. Now, through a partnership with the F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co., the nonprofit organization is bringing their summer programs to the North Valley.
Talk to cover wolf-elk food web
The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center at Glacier National Park will present a brown-bag lecture talk by Cristina Eisenberg on wildlife interactions at the Community Building in the Park Headquarters complex on Wednesday, May 2, from noon to 1 p.m.
Crews plowing Sun Road alpine stretch
Park visitors will be able to travel a little farther this week when Glacier National Park crews are plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Local photographer captures Park's vistas
Whitefish photographer Chuck Haney has made a career out of capturing iconic images of Glacier Park’s rugged landscapes.
C-Falls woman gets 21 months for tax evasion
A 58-year-old Columbia Falls woman was sentenced in federal court in Missoula to 21 months in prison after she pleaded guilty on Jan. 4 to two counts of attempting to evade or defeat tax.
Felony DUI charge amended
A 40-year-old former Columbia Falls man now living in Kalispell pleaded guilty on April 12 to an amended charge of felony criminal endangerment.
Community news
Girl Scout meeting
Two forums for judge candidates
• The Glacier Pachyderm Club will host a forum for Flathead County District Court judge candidates running for the position held by Judge Katherine Curtis at the Red Lion Hotel, in Kalispell, on Friday, April 27 from noon to 1 p.m. The candidates include Robert Allison, Bruce Fredrickson and Daniel Wilson.
Gubernatorial candidates to debate
Candidates for Montana governor and lieutenant governor will be at the Whitefish Middle School auditorium for a “meet and greet” session and a debate on Wednesday, May 2.
Local teachers head for Myanmar
Evan and Gretchen Miller, of Columbia Falls, have a nice house overlooking the Flathead River. Evan is a special education teacher at Ruder Elementary School. Gretchen teaches middle school English in Kalispell. They have two small children, a 10-month-old boy, Lawrence, who they affectionately call Wren, and a charming little girl, Louisa, 3.
Wednesday, April 18
Cowabunga 2012 - Opening Act, "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend"
Panel takes a look at Lake County probes
Community garden is building momentum
Sifuentes: investing in other's lives
Samaritan House hopes to raise $45,000
Follow the rules
Right now, in a seemingly endless election year, we have lots of candidates vying for the chance to represent us in various government positions that require them to uphold and respect our laws and regulations.
Seven of Bigfork School District's staff set to retire
Scott chosen as interim commissioner
Genetics the key to developing pure westslope
Bigfork school lunch prices to increase by 25 cents this fall
With dogs, it's about how you raise them
Lady netters off to good start
Bulldogs sweep Libby on court
David Banning
William Ladvala
Chamber summer series to feature Americana festival, BBQ smoke-off
Schools to run levy election
Wild hair banned in classrooms
Steeplechase gets interim deal for school project
Pickup bursts into flames, chars home
Peters touts conservative values as SD3 candidate
Summer series sparks concern about overuse of Depot Park
Samaritan House hopes to raise $45,000 at annual auction
Voter registration regulations
To vote in this year’s election in Flathead County, a person must be 18 years old or older on or before the next election, be a U.S. citizen, have resided in Montana and Flathead County for at least 30 days, and be registered to vote.
Loyola student sets record at local invitational
Club promotes Bigfork outdoors
Swan River bridge replacement project starting
Specialists to address water quality
Glacier Twins program name Murray new manager
Scott Murray has been hired as the new manager of the Glacier Twins AA Legion Baseball club. He replaces Lindsay Fansler who coached the team for two seasons.
Wildkat netters go 1-2 for the week
The Columbia Falls girls tennis team was blanked by Polson and Hamilton last week, but they beat Stevensville 5-2.
Boys tennis goes 0-3 on the week
The Columbia Falls boys tennis team is playing competitive matches in the early season, but the wins are proving a bit elusive.
Track team improving as season progresses
The Columbia Falls track teams are beginning to find their form in this early season. The team competed in the non-scoring Flathead Time Trials in Kalispell on April 12 and traveled either to the Bigfork Invitational for a tune-up or the Missoula Invitational on April 14.
Baseball in Montana, just in time
Baseball, like the swallows, is again moving north. It’s spring, and the national pastime, with its civility and elegance, is arriving in Montana just in time.
Kats can the curse of the Pirates
The curse of the Pirates is over. The Columbia Falls girls softball team downed Polson on April 12 for the first time ever, 8-3. The Wildkats were helped by a stellar pitching performance from freshman Ashley Trueblood, who went the distance and allowed just five hits.
Why run for political office?
I am often asked, “Why run for office given the present political environment of distrust, misrepresentation and personal attacks?”
Schools deserve support from OPI
Few things are more important to a community than well-run and locally controlled schools. Virtually all school districts, along with teachers, parents and community leaders, strive to provide the education and training our children deserve with less money than in times past.
Describes Columbia Falls in glowing terms
Brochure describing Columbia Falls in the fertile Flathead Valley, on the Flathead River, with majestic Montana mountain scenery, a city not in the mountains, yet of the mountains, was given to me by a friend.
Research shows road closure benefits
Regarding the North Fork Views column in the April 11 Hungry Horse News (“Snowcats needed for winter rescue”), there is no debate about the need for snowmobiles for winter search and rescue operations. Snowmobiles have been used successfully in rescuing winter recreationists and can be effective in helping save lives.
Sustaining everything sustains nothing
Sustainable is the environmental buzz word of the decade. The word is typically coupled with environmental resources regarding their maintenance, stewardship, and long term use. But what does it really mean?
Jim Peterson
Jim Peterson, 89, of Lafayette, La., recently died.
Canyon bike path fundraiser a success
The Gateway-to-Glacier Trail Steering Committee would like to express our gratitude for a successful fundraiser at the Stonefly Lounge on April 14. Because of the generosity of many business vendors in the north valley, local artisans and community members, the evening was a great success. Thanks to all the people who attended for an evening of good food and great music.
Outdoor news
Kids fishing derby
Constance Whaley
Constance Ruth Whaley, 100, passed away at Brendan House nursing home in Kalispell on March 31, 2012.
FWP considering more liberal mountain lion quotas
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released proposed quotas for mountain lion hunting in 2013-14 hunting season.
Griz study underway
Government biologists are fanning out across Western Montana this month as they start up their grizzly bear pre-baiting and scientific capture operations.
Outdoor program wants to get kids off the couch
An outdoor adventure program for children 6-16 years old who aren’t interested in traditional ball sports is moving into its second year in the Flathead.
Resort posts record numbers despite December drought
Whitefish Mountain Resort closed their season April 8 with a settled base of 118 inches at the summit and 303 inches of total snowfall for the season — slightly above average and a big change from the dismal start to the season.
Park plows are now past Loop on Sun Road
Glacier National Park plow crews are now beyond The Loop on the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Camas Road is now open to vehicles.
U.S. 2 options presented for Canyon
Proposals for a fix to traffic woes on U.S. Highway 2 through Bad Rock Canyon at a meeting last week ranged from tunnels to a series of bridges, but even if a final design is approved, construction is likely seven or more years away.
Scott chosen as interim county commissioner
The Flathead County Commissioners on April 16 appointed Columbia Falls businessman Cal Scott to fill the interim commissioner position opened by the death of Jim Dupont on March 19. Scott, 68, was sworn in on April 17 and will hold the position until the end of the year.
Hantavirus case confirmed in the Flathead
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services last week confirmed a case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in a Flathead County resident. This case is one of 35 HPS cases reported in Montana since 1993. Montana typically sees one to two cases a year. This is the third in 2012, and county health officials are advising residents of steps they can take to protect themselves.
Clean The Falls moves to Friday
Columbia Falls residents and business owners will meet at Glacier Bank on Friday, April 20, at 11 a.m. to begin a half day of spring cleaning around town.
Community news
Talent show
Firearms manufacturer likes the Flathead
From high-end hunting rifles and shotguns to precision military sniper rifles, Flathead Valley is growing into a recognized hub in the international firearms industry.
Sunday, April 15
The job has never been boring
Ed Cumming retires after 26 years with the Forest Service
Wednesday, April 11
Taylor wins freeskiing qualifier at Moonlight
Soccer showcase features college teams
Zipline project proposed for West Glacier
Mary Jane Street
Board plans for school construction
Burning, logging, thinning planned near Beaver Lake
Baldwin lone GOP candidate in HD4
City says 'no' to marijuana storefronts
No deal on Karrow connector
Commercial CUP fees lowered
Ski season ends on high note
BadFritter to remake horror flick 'Roulette'
Mack Days on pace to break record
Aquatic invasive weed treatment on hold
Bigfork's new neighbor's career was out of this world
Williams signs with Carroll College
A post on the Carroll College Web site says it all: “We got him!”
Arbor Day had humble beginnings
April is the month when many states celebrate a community tree-planting tradition that dates back 140 years. J. Sterling Morton first proposed Arbor Day as a tree-planting holiday on Jan. 4, 1872. The date was officially set for April 10, 1872, and, according to official records, more than 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.
Cherry season starts with a look at change
Opposes subsidizing corporations
One of my opponents in House District 3 has taken a stand that draws a clear line between his political philosophy and mine. He believes in subsidizing private industry and I don’t.
Just another mouth to feed
I met an old friend of mine at the barbershop yesterday. We talked about time when there were tree huggers, the spotted owl, the eco-terrorists of sabotage. Also, the save our beautiful forests, and Wilderness Act, and forests being trampled by loggers that made locking up useless roads for review.
Snowcats needed for winter rescue
Most of the North Fork, north of Canyon Creek, is now closed to snowmobilers. There are some exceptions, where unplowed roads are open.
Likes Perry
I want to write something about the candidacy for House District 3. Zac Perry is a good one for the House District 3. Zac knows the public education and health care issues in Montana on hand. He is caring and wants people to tell him the issues. Please vote Zac Perry for House District 3.
Six seek interim county position
Protect the wild lands
The Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act will be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Denny Rehberg is a co-sponsor of HR 1581.
Canadian help
Many bills which come before the legislature have mutual agreement by both sides of the political aisle. It is only about 20 percent which are sensationalized in our newspapers and on television and usually get the biggest headlines.
Joann Overcast
Joann (Braaten) Overcast, 75, died of natural causes on March 31, 2012, at Pondera Medical Center, in Conrad.
Maxine Hoffman
Maxine Luce Hoffman, 84, passed away April 1, 2012, at her home in Columbia Falls.
Outdoor briefs
Native plants
Winter storms in spring a gamble for migrating birds
It’s only early April, still winter in Montana most years. Not this year, however, as spring is headed at us like a high speed freight train.
Bull trout on the brink of extinction in the Flathead?
Recently, in opinion pieces published in many area newspapers and on numerous Web sites and blogs, Montana Trout Unlimited once again declared loudly and publicly that bull trout are on the brink of “extirpation” and that gill netting (killing) hundreds of thousands of lake trout will be the only thing that can save them. As I have said in the past, many of these published pieces are long on emotion and short on facts.
Lake trout in the Flathead: The other side of the story
The column on non-native lake trout in Flathead Lake by Trout Unlimited in the Hungry Horse News on March 28 is misleading and inaccurate. I feel the “rest of the story” needs to be shared with you, our readers.
A close call with ice at Duck Lake
Give it up. Ice fishing for this season, that is. Even if you find an area lake with some ice, chances are good that the ice is rotten.
Park seeks comment on parking plan
Glacier National Park has released an environmental assessment on a proposed project to expand the parking lot at the Transit Center near Apgar.
Park plows nearing Logan Creek
Glacier National Park plow crews made good progress last week, clearing the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side of the Park from Lake McDonald Lodge to beyond Red Rocks.
Plans for high-tech panel plant moving forward
Economic development money that has been leveraged to more than $1 million through a revolving-loan program since it came to Columbia Falls nine years ago may soon be put to good use purchasing equipment for a new high-tech wood panel manufacturing plant here.
School and military news
Music scholarships
Challenger says incumbent not conservative enough
Education, jobs and shrinking government are the three planks in Jayson Peters’ Senate District 3 campaign platform. He also thinks it’s important for someone to defeat incumbent Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell.
Border limits raised for Canadian shoppers
New rules for Canadian travelers crossing the U.S.-Canada border will go into effect on June 1. The new rules could help Flathead businesses where Canadian visitors shop.
Council gets first look at new chicken regs
Columbia Falls residents may soon be allowed to raise chickens on small city lots, and investors considering a microbrewery here may soon have the needed zoning in place.
Glacier Park band to perform at Canyon bike path fundraiser
The Gateway-to-Glacier business group will hold a fundraiser for its proposed bike path from Coram to West Glacier at the Stonefly Lounge, in Coram, on Saturday, April 14.
Mack Days could set a new record
Community news
Community choir
A new life for old bikes
When Vincent Erickson was eight years old, he and a few friends had an old bike they wanted to fix up. The friends eventually abandoned the project, but Erickson ended up with all the parts and finished it. Then he started work on another bike, and another bike.
Cyclists to pedal for two charities
Local cancer patients need volunteer drivers
Barbara Jean Bolles-Meeker-Evans
Barbara Jean Bolles-Meeker-Evans, born May 18, 1927 in San Francisco, Calif. passed away April 2 in Kalispell. During her 84 years she was the beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Bolles; sister of Dr. Robert Bolles; wife of Harry F. Meeker; mother of Sharon (Barnes), Susan (Cabrera), Kerry Meeker and Pamela (Mullens). Embarking on a life-long wanderlust, she finally settled in Montana with her late husband, Vietnam veteran Arvis Dale Evans, and will be laid to rest alongside him at Lonepine Cemetary behind The Little Brown Church in Bigfork. Throughout her life she has been “precious in the sight of the LORD.” Psalm 116:15.
Crown fo the Continent Guitar foundation offers scholarship
Swan River announces third quarter honor roll
Bigfork stormwater system geared to be a hot topic at state conference
Buscaderos to present antique gun show at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History
Wednesday, April 4
Whitefish Zooniacs explore wild kingdom
A group of Whitefish kids have a passion for animals and zoos that they enjoy sharing in an online radio show.
Mack Days enters its third week
April Fool's Day wedding gone wrong, or April's Fools Day prank?
Samples gauge stormwater system's worth
Creston residents plead innocent to marijuana charges
Potato Olympics held at Muldown
Prom was a big success
Miller a good choice for governor
Roberts II passes the 'Godfather test'
La Provence's new look, price, and world cuisine coming soon
Melvin Nix
Edward J. Ping
Council pencils out TIF priorities
Surveillance cameras, tips lead to arrest in downtown deer shooting
Bully policy spurs sit-in at middle school
Plan devised for Suncrest fire pumps
Scholarship established in memory of veteran son
Helping create new smiles
Bigfork golf takes fourth at first invitational
Glacier Institute offers owl course in the Mission
Airport installs full body scanner
Bigfork native aspires to a professional baseball career
Nordic club raises funds for trail work
Mosquito control board adopts new plan
Ravenwood raises scholarship funds
More legacy land becomes public
Cherries art exhibit deadline nears
Mack Days enters third week of Flathead Lake fishing competition
Kats go 2-1 to open season
The Columbia Falls girls softball team opened their season with a 2-1 mark last week. The Wildkats walloped Whitefish on March 29 at home 21-0. On Friday, they got past Glacier High School 8-7 after a four-run rally in the sixth inning, but on Saturday, Polson downed the Kats 14-1.
Wildcats win C-Falls invite title
The Columbia Falls boys track team started the season where it left off last year — in first place. The Wildcats edged Thompson Falls by 10 points to win the Columbia Falls Invitational at home March 31.
Boys tennis rolls over Ronan, girls have tougher time
The Columbia Falls boys tennis team rolled over Ronan Chiefs on March 27, winning 7-0.
Summer swim league welcomes new coach
The Columbia Falls summer swim team will see a changing of the guard this season. Mike Nelson, who coached the team last season, has stepped down.
Gated Forest roads help wildlife
In the North Fork News column of March 7, Larry Wilson wrote that search and rescue (SAR) training has been “limited in recent years due to Forest Service closure of most public lands in the area.” Unless the Forest Service has been closing all access to large blocks of public lands, this statement is a gross distortion of facts.
House stalling on needed bill
A decision in the U.S. House of Representatives may have a disastrous impact in Montana that could result in teachers and road workers across our state losing their jobs.
Bear meat was his main diet
Even before Norton Pearl made his snowshoe circuits of Glacier National Park, Frank Liebig was there. They must have known each other since Liebig worked for the Forest Service for 33 consecutive years, from 1902 until 1935, when he retired.
Revisiting Harper's Index
Missed getting in a column last week. Not a sign of aging, I hope, but rather a very busy time on other matters. Think it might be the first “forgot” in more than 10 years. Still hectic this week, including excitement of preparing income tax. Please enjoy an “oldie” from 20 years ago with personal comments on Harper’s Annual Index Report:
Vicki Rae Brown
Vicki Rae (Matthews) Brown, 60, passed away March 25, 2012, at her home in Coram after fighting a courageous battle against cancer.
Montana's national parks buck U.S. trend
A pair of Montana State University researchers say they were surprised at how much growth and development has taken place around national parks across the U.S., but they point out that the numbers are much lower for Glacier and Yellowstone national parks.
Glacier National Park plows hit the Sun Road
Glacier National Park crews have begun the annual task of clearing its roads of snow. Crews began plowing the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road on Monday starting at Lake McDonald Lodge.
Outdoor briefs
Park talk
Zipline project proposed for West Glacier
A proposal to build a zipline system and ropes course in West Glacier is scheduled to go before the Flathead County Planning Board on April 11.
C-Falls man sentenced for vehicular assault
A 22-year-old Columbia Falls man was given two seven-year sentences with the Montana Department of Corrections last week for felony criminal endangerment and probation violation.
Candidate says he has the needed background
Columbia Falls businessman Kirk Gentry says he was reading the newspaper two weeks ago and saw the filing deadline posted for candidates interested in running for the late Jim Dupont’s county commissioner seat.
Candidate wants to stop abortions
Suzanne Brooks, a Whitefish candidate for Senate District 2, says she was raised a Democrat.
Second man sentenced in Hungry Horse assault case
The second man charged in the May 2011 assault of a man in Hungry Horse over an alleged drug debt and a high-speed pursuit in October was sentenced last week to felony robbery and drug charges.
Shaw leaves public works job in Kalispell
Former Columbia Falls city manager Bill Shaw left his new job as Kalispell’s public works director on March 30 after less than one year on the job.
School and military news
Outer space
Community news
Cancer fundraiser
Noricks garner top state science fair awards
They say that great minds think alike. In this case, those minds are Colter and Colin Norick. The Columbia Falls brothers recently won the state science fair in their age categories.