Friday, June 29
Quagga mussels found on two boats in Montana
Training slated for volunteer inspectors
Rehberg vows to continue fight against Obamacare
Tester, Baucus support U.S. Supreme Court ruling
Wednesday, June 27
Huge Lake Trout Caught by 84-year old at Flathead Lake
Donna Commers has fished much of her life, but hasn’t been able to go in recent years. On June 21 she had the luck of her life. Comers, 84, a resident at Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork, landed a 37-inch, 15-pound lake trout at the Fishing Without Barriers Day on Flathead Lake.
Fourth of July festivities in the Flathead
The Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year, right in the middle of the week, which could affect all those workers hoping for a three-day weekend. For those with only one day off, there’s still plenty to do:
Eagle scout aims to give back and leave a lasting mark on BHS
For some teenagers, summer break is a time for relaxing and staying as far away from school as possible. But for Bigfork High School student Kegan Driver, this summer isn’t about either of those things.
Jury sides with county over contested boat ramp
A jury has sided with Flathead County on all claims made against it in a lawsuit over a public boat launch on Church Slough.
Flathead Brewery revamps labels with help of Missoula artist
The Imperial IPA and The Imperial sailboat are two things the Flathead Lake Brewery will ideally some day be known for. Incidentally, their vision of this same boat is ever-present on the new logos created to re-brand their beers.
Kids these days...
Recently I found myself in a coffee shop. It seems to be something I’m doing a lot lately, not because I don’t want to be at home, but because I don’t have internet at home.
Family comes together to open Bigfork outdoor store
Espresso and bicycles. As customers walk into Bigfork’s newest store, Montana Adventure Sports, those are the two things they see first.
Kalispell volunteer keeps Crane Mountain trails passable
Heat pulls the scent from orange honeysuckle and wild roses, leaving it hanging above the partially damp earth that leads up Crane Mountain.
Krueger's victory is confirmed
Gary Krueger was declared the winner of the Republican primary election for the District 3 Flathead County commissioner nomination following Monday’s recount of ballots in the tight race.
$4 million assisted living center coming to Bigfork
Senior citizens who need a little help with day-to-day tasks but desire an independent lifestyle will soon be able to have both and remain living in Bigfork.
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.
Betty Lou Lohmann
Betty Lou Lohmann, age 86, formerly of Sentinel Butte, N.D., passed away from natural causes on Sunday, June 17, at Epiphany Assisted Living in Coon Rapids, N.D. She was surrounded by family and wonderful staff at Epiphany who loved her. Visitation was from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 24 at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Beach, N.D. Funeral Services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beach with Reverend Scott Hojnacki officiating.
Bigfork's new abulance hall funds used for upgrades
In December of 2006 the Bigfork QRU, a 501c-3 nonprofit organization (independent of Bigfork Fire Department at that time), initiated a fundraising campaign for a new ambulance hall. You responded generously with tax deductable contributions of approximately $91,000.
We have to start from the ground up
I just returned from two weeks in Wisconsin where I was visiting family and attending alumni functions at Beloit College, my alma mater, class of 1953. My first day of travel to Wisconsin was Tuesday, June 5, the Primary Election day.
Sports news
Shodair soccer
Fourth of July festivities scheduled throughout the Flathead
The Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year, right in the middle of the week, which could affect all those workers hoping for a three-day weekend. For those with only one day off, there’s still plenty to do:
Lakeside Community Fair set for July 14
Lakeside is going to be bustling with activity on July 14 for the 23rd annual Lakeside Community Fair.
Trustee sets up match-fund for fifthgrade band program
Lakeside/Somers School Board trustee Sam Bagley set up a match-fund for the fifth-grade band program earlier this month called the Somers Music and Arts Fund. Bagley has pledged to match up to $5,000 in donations from his personal bank account to ensure the program continues as the district faces budget cuts.
Hockaday sign refurbished and ready for home
The iconic moving fisherman sign that held its own along Montana 93 in Lakeside for over 50 years has been refurbished and is on the verge of finding its way into the sight-line of Lakeside residents once again.
Doris Roy
Doris Ruth Roy, 87, died June 20, 2012, at the Bee Hive Home in Columbia Falls.
Donald Ronish
Donald L. Ronish, 55, of Columbia Falls, passed away June 21, 2012, at North Valley Hospital.
Bryson Krissie
Bryson Micheal Krissie, 18, of Dexter, Ore., died June 7, 2012, of a vehicle-pedestrian hit-and-run accident.
William Moore
William Barry Moore passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 5, 2012, at Ponderosa Pines Healthcare in Billings. Barry, as he was known by all, had resided at The Ponderosa for the past two years, suffering from COPD and diabetes.
June unkind to Twins
Cory Davis had a big day at the plate June 23 with three hits and three runs scored, but it wasn’t enough to get the sliding Glacier Twins AA past the Missoula Mavericks in an important Legion baseball conference game in Missoula.
Babcock and Langton are high-point swimmers
Colton Babcock and Tyler Langton had a great weekend at the Plains Invitational swim meet June 23-24.
Wildcat Academic all-state athletes
The following Columbia Falls High School athletes received academic all-state honors for having a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while lettering in sports during the fourth quarter:
Social events outshine weather
According to the calendar, it’s now summer. According to the weather, it’s still spring. Although we have not had two whole days without rain, it’s still been chilly.
Watergate truths 40 years later
This month marks 40 years since the Watergate scandal. The anniversary has me remembering a discussion in 1987 with Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill who, 15 years earlier, had seen the foreboding shadow of the distant Watergate tsunami a full year before it crashed over the nation’s political shoreline.
Flooded with climate change claims
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.
High wolf hunt quotas not justified
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently presented their 2012 Montana Wolf Hunting Season Proposal at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. It included a striking graph of a generally year-to-year increase in Montana’s wolf population 1979-2011 that was used to justify maintaining a high wolf harvest level in 2012.
First woman to don green and gray in Glacier
Visitors to Glacier National Park today will see a lot of women wearing the green and gray uniforms of the National Park Service. But it wasn’t always that way. Women in uniformed positions were once a rarity in Glacier Park.
Skunked by a monster brownie
No doubt you’ve heard the old saying, “Don’t wish too hard for something, you just might get it.”
Outdoor news
Bird talk
Krueger declared winner in commissioner primary race
Gary Krueger was declared the winner of the Republican primary race for the Flathead County District 3 commissioner seat following a recount of ballots on June 25.
Fourth of July festivities across the Flathead Valley
The Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year, right in the middle of the week, which could affect all those workers hoping for a three-day weekend. For those with only one day off, there’s still plenty to do:
Community news
MDT boss
School news
Boys Nation
Actors needed for feature film
If it was a want-ad, it might read like this: “Director seeking men, women and children to act in a film for three weeks in August. No experience required, but interesting personalities with interesting stories are preferred. Pay is nothing, except for perhaps an occasional free meal and the satisfaction of a job well done. Also, we need to someone to provide the occasional free meal.”
City moves ahead with cell phone ban
The Columbia Falls City Council had expected some kind of public reaction at its June 18 meeting to its proposal to ban hand-held communication devices while driving. Instead, it was an ordinance on vacation rentals that drew all the attention.
Court rules against Montana
Ban on corporate campaign spending ruled unconstitutional
Stoltze history spans more than a century
An eye to the future
Friday, June 22
Tester-Rehberg debate in Whitefish canceled
A debate between U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and Republican challenger U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg has been canceled with no plans to reschedule.
Texting by teen drivers widespread
Teenagers are known for their technological finesse, from texting to e-mail to social media. But put that knowledge behind the wheel and you get one of today’s most talked-about health dangers — distracted driving.
Wednesday, June 20
Bryson Oliver O'Dell
Sliter Park bathrooms ready for summer
Bigfork’s Sliter Park bathrooms may have left a bad impression on all who used them before the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork, the Bigfork Community Development Foundation and Flathead County took it upon themselves to give the bathrooms an overhaul last month in preparation for the 2012 summer season.
Missoula DJs bring art of mixing to the Raven
Bass pounds the air above Flathead Lake just off the cement deck at The Raven on Saturday night. Neon green, pink and blue lights trade stage time with a bright white one that rotates, highlighting Woods Bay in flashes.
Spirit Fest kicks off 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.
USFS to host aquatic invasive species program at the Condon Work Center
In an effort to increase awareness of the growing threat of aquatic invasive species, the Swan Ecosystem Center will sponsor an informational program on the topic June 28 at the U.S. Forest Service Condon Work Center from 7-8:30 p.m. The program will feature a presentation by Ky Zimmerman from Region 1 of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Kalispell.
FWP wants to decrease wolf numbers
Discussion was often spirited at last week’s meeting on proposed changes to next fall’s Montana wolf hunt, but it was also civil.
Bigfork's Valleyaires to perform at Sliters
The Valleyaires will ring the rafters on stage on June 24 in Bigfork’s Sliter Park at 7 p.m. This upbeat group, a four-part harmony blend of men’s voices, is made up of members of the International Barbershop Harmony Society.
PEO brings Broadway to Bigfork to support women's scholarships
The Bigfork chapter of PEO, the Philanthropic Education Organization, is holding its first fundraising night on June 30 to raise funds for scholarships for women’s education on June 30 from 5-8 p.m. at Flathead Lake Lodge.
Rehberg-Tester debate in Whitefish canceled
The Montana Broadcasters Association has announced the Rehberg-Tester senate campaign debate in Whitefish has been canceled.
Marathon golf round to benefit junior program
Alumni game celebrates 20 years of soccer
No harm from breach in cleanup pond
Rehberg says he won't attend Whitefish debate with Tester
School District saves $1M on bonds
City looks at campaign sign restrictions
Michael Ban
Michael A “Oso” Ban, 81, passed away June 14, 2012, surrounded by his family at his home in Martin City.
Lucile Shepherd
Lucile Bonita Parker Shepherd passed away May 25, 2012 in Augusta, Ga.
Glen Forman
Glen Arnold Forman Jr., 58, passed away on the morning of June 4, 2012, at Garden Manor in Brookville, Ohio. He died from complications caused by a fall in February that broke his neck and left him a quadriplegic.
Some good advice for June floaters
It appears that the professional foresters were correct — the lodgepole pine that seemed to be dying only weeks ago are already producing new, green needles. We still need to remember that the foresters also warned that several wet springs in a row could cause the death of some of these young pines.
Border bill is a product of Fear Inc.
In a recent column by Helena lawyer Cory Swanson in newspapers across Montana, Swanson concurs with Rep. Denny Rehberg’s support of H.R. 1505 (the National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act), “a bill that strengthens America’s ability to protect itself by securing our borders against illegal aliens, drug and human traffickers, and terrorists.”
Amazed by benefits wolves provide
I am amazed that wolves returning to Yellowstone seem to be restoring the balance of nature in our first national park. The wolf is helping to make Yellowstone National Park whole again.
Big plans for small Canyon towns after the war
Exciting days were underway during June, 1948, in areas which were to become towns. One, Hungry Horse Village, was to be occupied by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation employees. Other was created for families of General-Shea-Morrison, general contractor, employees.
Looking back at the lost art of compromise
In the sweltering heat of August in San Diego, a stocky and brawny Sen. Richard Lugar barreled past me, sweat glistening on his brow, and soaking his T-shirt. He was jogging with several young staffers during a break at the 1996 Republican National Convention. Lugar was 64 then, but his boyish face and muscular conditioning made him appear younger. In fact, he was the embodiment of vitality and energy.
Fringe groups and an apathetic public endanger wolves
I am conflicted over the very complex and controversial wolf issue in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. I am writing this on Father’s Day 2012 as I have no human children, nor any other human family, so the wildlife are my family and children.
Defending medical marijuana use
As a Montana attorney and Republican candidate for State House District 4, I filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in the federal appellate case Montana Caregivers LLC, et. al. v. United States, et. al. (12-35110).
Glacier trail fundraiser
The Gateway to Glacier Trail organization would like to thank members of the community, including the Hungry Horse News, for the support provided to our yard and garage sales on two recent Saturdays.
Cat-Dog soccer rivalry rekindled in July 1 alumni games
Former soccer players from both Columbia Falls and Whitefish high schools who played between 1992 and 2012 will battle for the inaugural North Valley Cup on July 1. The summer soccer event is the brainchild of Whitefish boys soccer coach O’Brien Byrd and is sponsored by the Flathead Rapids. He calls the reunion event a “festival and jamboree.”
C-Falls swimmers do well at Bitterroot meet
Columbia Falls opened its swimming season at the Bitterroot meet in Hamilton on June 16-17. The Wildcats qualified 18 swimmers for the finals on Sunday.
Sports news
B-ball camp
Park rangers respond to Mt. Sinopah incident
Glacier National Park Rangers responded to two serious incidents over the weekend involving an injured hiker and a capsized canoe.
Wolf hunting, trapping debated
Discussion was often spirited at last week’s meeting on proposed changes to next fall’s Montana wolf hunt, but it was also civil.
Backcountry travel soggy, but opening up
Backcountry travel in Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness is beginning to open up, but it’s definitely soggy or snowy travel.
Take advantage of longer daylight hours
In case you were wondering, last week in this space Keith Brown’s monster kokanee salmon photo was mislabeled “rainbow trout.” And the good thing about it is, Brown’s fish gets a second mention this week.
Outdoor news
Weed-pulling rodeo
Ag sprayer takes down power line
An equipment operator spraying a farm field off Middle Road south of Columbia Falls found himself in a tense situation last week after one of his spray booms took down a high voltage wire June 11.
Pertussis cases in the Flathead winding down
Flathead County pertussis cases reached 59 last week, and two schools were added to the list of those with students sick with the disease. Health officials, however, say the outbreak of whooping cough or the 100-day cough may be ending.
Flathead home sales increasing
Prices dropping as foreclosure sales continue
School news
Dean’s list
Wolves play important role in ecosystem
I am amazed!
Students get advice from alumni in Hollywood
It isn’t often that you see a familiar name roll in Hollywood movie credits. But look closely enough, and you’ll catch the name of Columbia Falls native Lindsay Good listed for big-ticket films such as “Eagle Eye” (2008), “Cowboys and Aliens” (2011) and “Date Night” (2012).
Move beyond the blame game
I am guessing that everyone who reads this newspaper has inherited and needed to fix a difficulty that was generated by someone else.
News for contemplating
One has to wonder if the West Virginia hitchhiker making state and national news this month will change the name of the book he is working on.
Local man saves dog from going over the dam
Not many people would ever consider jumping into the Swan River since it’s filled with recently melted snow and the closer you get to the dam the more dangerous it becomes. But, when a life was in danger Bigfork’s Bruce Piasecki didn’t hesitate to jump in last Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Father's Day isn't about genetics, it's about who raised you
Father’s Day was Sunday, and for millions of people it meant celebrating the impact their father had on their life by making him breakfast in bed, grilling out, or even making homemade cards out of crayons with promises to mow the lawn. It’s a fantastic holiday, if the father is around.
Lakeside working to raise money for new bike trail
A fundraising effort is under way for the new Blacktail Trail project in Lakeside.
EPA and DEQ address Tie Plant's issues
There are six issues with recommended courses of action outlined in the most recent five-year review of the remedial actions performed under the Superfund program for the Burlington Northern Somers Tie Plant by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Tie plant's five-year review reveals unanswered questions
The fourth five-year review of the remedial actions performed under the Superfund program for the Burlington Northern Somers Tie Plant by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has revealed some unanswered questions regarding the extent of the site’s contaminated groundwater.
Friday, June 15
Park plow crews finishing up Sun Road work
Glacier National Park plow crews have punched through the Big Drift on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, just east of Logan Pass, but Park officials still plan to hold off opening up the alpine highway to motor vehicles until the middle of next week.
Sentence reinstated for counterfeiting
A 24-year-old Kalispell woman charged with passing counterfeit money in Columbia Falls in 2009 was back in Flathead County District Court after the county attorney’s office petitioned to revoke her deferred sentence.
District court upholds city DUI case
A 28-year-old Whitefish woman’s sentence in Columbia Falls City Court was upheld in Flathead County District Court on May 31 with some amended charges.
Marijuana detected in blood of driver
A 33-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty to felony negligent homicide in Flathead County District Court on June 7 in connection with a fatal wreck on U.S. 2 two years ago.
Wednesday, June 13
Monster trout snagged in Whitefish Lake
New zip line, aerial park planned at Big Mountain
City budget reflects turning economy
Steeplechase top pick to oversee WHS reconstruction
Local woman remembers Diamond Jubilee
Artist looks to honor queen a second time
Push made for U.S. 93 West crosswalk
Quilt Guild showcases work, raffles quilting retreat
A bald eagle flies in a swirling blue sky above a small log cabin on a creek below the mountains. A moose is knee-deep in the water and smoke curls up from the chimney.
Shirley Ann Neilson
Shirley Ann Neilson, 75, passed peacefully on June 7, in her home in Bigfork, following a two-year battle with cancer. Shirley was born in Helena on November 18, 1936 to Rhea and Charles Cartwright. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jerry Neilson, their sons, Rick and his wife Deb, Jeff and his wife Cortney, Dane and his wife Becky, Van and his wife Valke, and nine grandchildren who knew her affectionately as “Gigi”; Erin, Jeremy, Stow, Abby, Zack, Ava, Abigail, Shelby, one great-grandson Solomon and her sister, Marilyn McKenzie of Oshkosh, Wis.
Twins rained out
The Glacier Twins AA Legion Baseball club’s game with Mission Valley was rained out last week. The team’s next home game is set for Saturday, June 16, with the alumni game at 6 p.m.
Wildkat softball players recognized
The Columbia Falls High School girls softball team had a host of all-state and all-conference selections this year.
William Koppy
William R. Koppy, 78, of Columbia Falls, passed away June 7, 2012, at the Montana Veterans Home.
Wildcat football coach resigns
The Columbia Falls High School athletics program will see some changes next fall. Activities Director John Thompson will become an assistant principal at the high school, and football coach Bill Coleman has resigned due to family reasons.
Francis McBride
Francis LaVerne McBride, 94, passed away with her family at her side on May 31, 2012, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Trail workers needed
Trails don’t just appear out of thin air. On the contrary, they take years of hard labor to complete. On June 2, Americans celebrated National Trails Day, and the nearly 200,000 miles of trails forged from sweat, blisters and true grit.
Youth sports
I would like to give great thanks and much appreciation to the people who volunteered or contributed in some way to another successful year of Columbia Falls youth girls/boys basketball and volleyball through Flathead County Parks and Recreation.
Canyon shooting incidents get ignored
Land of the free and the home of the brave. Picture yourself fishing by the river, children passing slowly by on their ATVs, people gathered talking, someone walking their dog, and into the midst of this idyllic, lazy summer day, a white pickup pulls up, someone jumps out and starts shooting indiscriminately,
Pertinent information to avoid pouting
The first North Fork Landowners Association meeting of 2012 was apparently not very well attended. This is not really unusual for June. After all, the majority of landowners are summer residents and not year-rounders. Most NFLA members will be arriving later this month. In addition, quite a few members traveled to the valley this year to attend high school graduations.
Oh deer!
Our state capitol, Helena, has an on-going problem with deer in town, and it even had controlled hunts by game wardens after people were chased, including a paperboy who had to ditch his bike and hide under a car when charged by a large buck.
Bill needed to protect northern border
Congressman Denny Rehberg has taken some heat over his support of H.R. 1505, a bill that strengthens America’s ability to protect itself by securing our borders against illegal aliens, drug and human traffickers, and terrorists.
What would our founding fathers have to say about it?
A little over 200 years ago a remarkable group of individuals gathered to write our Constitution and set forth precedent for a nation like no other in history.
Environmentalists protest another timber project
Three environmental groups recently filed a lawsuit in federal court to stop forest thinning projects on the Flathead National Forest.
America's freedoms are not to be abused
I was appalled to learn that here in Western Montana, where our freedoms are as tenaciously embraced as anywhere in the world, some bigoted, academic administrator in Ronan chose to deny his students the exceptional opportunity to hear the wisdom of a celebrated man willing to share his story of rising from nothing to international fame through old-fashioned hard work and determination.
Molen deserves an apology from Ronan
Gerald Molen’s piece in the Inter Lake on May 27 speaks for itself.
There's more to life
I walked out my front door this morning to a couple horses, the sound of a creek, and some singing birds. It’s not the normal greeting I get when I open my front door.
Flathead Electric donation to help Park
Flathead Electric Cooperative recently donated funds to the Glacier National Park Fund through its Roundup For Safety program to help Glacier National Park purchase a military-grade, high-tech, night-vision monocular.
Sun Road opening delayed to next week
Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road won’t open to Logan Pass for vehicles on June 15 as originally anticipated.
City council to take up cell phone ban June 18
The Columbia Falls City Council will take up a proposed ban on the use of handheld mobile communication devices by drivers at their June 18 meeting.
Report uncovers 6,000 unpermitted septic systems
A recently released report on sewage treatment in the Flathead Valley uncovered about 6,000 unpermitted septic systems. That brings the total number of septic systems in the valley not connected to treatment plants to more than 20,000. That translates into about 4.1 million gallons of wastewater every day.
Patriotic music to be performed in downtown Bigfork
Bigfork is known for it’s strong artistic community, whether it’s plays, paintings, sculptures or singing. On Friday a patriotic flair will be added to Bigfork’s repertoire of creative expression with live performances of “The Star Spangled Banner” three times a week and everyone is encouraged to join in with the singing.
School's snub goes national
Bigfork resident and Oscar-winning producer Gerald “Jerry” Molen says he was surprised about the national attention that came about on Friday regarding the story of him being turned away from addressing the Ronan High School graduating class because of his conservative political views.
Outdoor news
Weed rodeo
Summer concert series starts June 21
The Columbia Falls Lions Club Summer Concert Series begins this year on June 21. Anyone or business interested in being a sponsor can call committee chairman Mark Johnson at 314-0200.
Community rallies to support Bilal
The friendly smile and kind words from The Raven’s bartender Kheri Bilal was enough to make anyone’s day a little bit better. The affect he had on the community is visible now that he is in need of their help.
Community news
Senate debate
Disputed county boat ramp on Church Slough shut down temporarily
A county boat launch on Church Slough that is the focus of a lawsuit has been temporarily closed by a recent order from Flathead County District Judge Katherine Curtis.
Locals make Dean's Lists at UM, MSU, and FVCC
At The University of Montana, 3,094 students made the spring semester 2012 Dean’s List. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must be undergraduates, earn a semester grade average of 3.5 or higher and receive grades of A or B in at least nine credits. No grades of C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, NC or NCR are allowed.
Somers-Lakeside School District hires new superintendent
A special meeting of the Lakeside/Somers School District board of trustees was held on June 8 at 7:30 a.m. to negotiate with Paul Jenkins over the conditions involving the district’s new superintendent contract.
Somers School Board reviews budget cuts, discusses future of football
The Lakeside/Somers School Board of trustees held two special meetings last week, the first one was held on Monday, June 4 at 6 p.m. and the second one was held on June 8 at 7:30 a.m. A special meeting had to be called on June 4 because Superintendent Casey Love’s last day as superintendent is at the end of this month and the board needed to appoint a new superintendent before then.
Blacktail Trail must raise $28,000 by July 31
With the funding match for Lakeside to Blacktail trails at almost 30 percent of what’s needed, the Lakeside Community Development Foundation presents three fundraising nights and $5 raffle tickets in their final push to raise the remainder of the funding before the July 31 deadline.
Sunday, June 10
Hydroplane racing returns to Coeur d'Alene
Hydroplane rooster tails and boats racing at up to 200 mph will be returning to Lake Coeur d’Alene on Labor Day weekend after a 44-year hiatus with the revived Diamond Cup Regatta.
Big Mountain summer season kicks off June 16
Rain, shine or snow, Whitefish Mountain Resort will start their summer season this Saturday, June 16, with scenic lift rides to the summit, mountain biking, the alpine slide, Walk in the Treetops, a summit nature center and zipline tours.
Cold, wet weather increasing mountain snowpack
Cold and wet weather in May helped increase the statewide snowpack by 17 percent, according to June 1 snow-survey data released by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bozeman. Individual basins saw snowpack increases as high as 32 percent.
Environmentalists protest another timber project
Bike race near Tally Lake also challenged
Judge rules on registering independent candidates
A federal judge in Helena recently ruled that Montana’s March deadline for registering candidates is too early for independent candidates.
Wednesday, June 6
Whitewater Fest 2012
Swan River School says thank you and goodbye to Principal Peter Loyda
Meg and Taliana Miller, Bigfork's Tae Kwon Do Kids
Cowboy Action Shooting
Krueger wins county commissioner District 3 primary election
Tony Award winning play comes home
The Alpine Theatre Project brings Terrence McNally’s Tony Award winning “Master Class” back to its Flathead Valley birthplace with Tony Award nominee and Broadway actress Barbara Walsh taking on the part of opera diva Maria Callas.
Landowner questions RSID plans
The question that entered Dennis McDowell’s mind when he heard about the potential for a Rural Special Improvement District in Bigfork is whether or not he would be responsible for paying a tax on each of the 44 storage units he owns.
Lieser, Brown, Tutvedt claim primary wins
Voters Tuesday chose a mix of familiar faces and at least one newcomer in the legislative primary races.
Man charged with having sex with 14-year-old runaway
A 32-year-old Great Falls man is facing a felony charge of sexual intercourse without consent after he allegedly had sex last year with a 14-year-old girl who had run away from Columbia Falls.
Richard A. Dick McKay
Richard A. “Dick” McKay passed away on May 29 at the age of 83. He will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.
North Lake moves ahead with draft proposal
The North Lake County Planning and Zoning Committee spoke with Lake County Planning and Zoning Director Joel Nelson to review the changes they made to their re-zoning proposal on June 1 at Glacier Sotheby’s in Bigfork.
Thank you Flathead County veterans
The ceremonies this past Memorial Day brought thousands of people together throughout our country.
Lake County Democrats sets a good example
I’m writing this just before taking off for three weeks in Wisconsin.
The Democrat war on women needs to end now
Enough already!
Corporations are not people
If you disagree with the US Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, claiming that corporations are people, be aware of some facts concerning the case.
Graduation doesn't necessarily mean goodbye
As I was taking photos of Bigfork High School’s graduation ceremony last weekend, I couldn’t help but think about how different things are for the graduates of today. I graduated from high school in 2005, so my college experience wasn’t much different from what the 2012 graduates will be entering, after all, the economy tanked while I was enrolled and that dramatically changed the rules.
Dogs knock out Cats at boxing night
Local bartender injured in Mexico, fundraiser set to help with expenses
Bigfork is synonymous with fun and good times, and for many, those happy memories include the smiling face and joyful conversation of bartender Kheri Bilal — the fun-loving man from Zanzibar who could be found pouring drinks for patrons at The Raven in Woods Bay or Whistling Andy’s Distillery in Bigfork.
Chad Kelly Whyard
Todd Dale Bilant
Long-term yard sales reined in
Lakeside Elementary students win bikes for reading
Six Lakeside Elementary students read their way to a new bicycle this year through the Bigfork Masonic Lodge’s Bikes for Books program.
Eco group opposes mountain bike race
Funraiser aims to raise $6,000 for traffic safety
Winning a vacation stay in an Arizona executive home, a three-piece bronze bear sculpture, an instant wine cellar, a Pat Lambrecht Hould original art piece, and more are all possibilities if residents attend the fourth Annual Lucky Fundraiser in Lakeside at the Tamarack Grill and Alehouse on Wednesday, June 13, 5-9 p.m.
Pertussis case confirmed at Somers Middle School
Flathead City-County Health Department officials have reported three more pertussis (whooping cough) cases, raising the county total to 56 and adding Somers Middle School to the list of affected school districts.
Five inducted to high school hall of fame
Five members of the Columbia Falls High School Class of 2012 were recently inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame.
Sports news
Sports camp
Twins win big and lose big
The Glacier Twins’ rollercoaster season continued last week as the Legion AA club picked up an impressive 10-9 over the Missoula Mavericks and then dropped a conference game to the Kalispell Lakers in a blowout loss.
Williams wins main event at Smoker
The skies grew black, the wind picked up, but the storm moving across the valley fittingly held off until the main event. Then it poured.
Francis McBride
Francis LaVerne McBride, 94, passed away May 31, 2012, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Leonard Wetherelt
Leonard Henry Wetherelt, 70, passed away May 27, 2012, at his home in Columbia Falls, with his family by his side.
Evelyn Hoerner
Evelyn Hoerner, 76, died April 24, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Harold Gansereit
Harold Clarence Gansereit, 85, of Martin City, passed away May 31, 2012, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Gene Wiley
Gene Wiley, 87, formerly of Martin City, passed away May 25, 2012, at his home in Merrill, Wis.
Albert Lewis
Albert “Algie” Lewis, 80, passed at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at North Valley Hospital. He spent his last day joking with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter and brother.
The Park needs more parking
I read that due to the success of the shuttle bus service, there is an overload of visitors in prime areas of Glacier National Park.
Remembering Decoration Day and Memorial Day
Many of us remember Decoration Day with annual visit to area cemeteries to decorate the graves. This also involved cleaning the graves as each family was responsible for plots.
Equal Access to Injustice Act
“Justice” has long been a core value and the legal backbone of American society. Its tenets are woven into the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These documents protect our natural rights of liberty and property, guarantees a number of personal freedoms, and limits the government’s power in judicial and other proceedings. However, to sue the federal government in an effort to protect these rights, one has to have pretty deep pockets. We would all agree that the lack of financial means should not bar access to protect our rights in court.
Red saplings in aren't dying
Federal and state forestry offices and several retired foresters have been inundated with calls from concerned North Fork residents in the last couple of weeks.
No signs of Snooki while surf fishing
Not a cloud in the sky. Eighty-eight degrees at 10 a.m. Slight breeze coming off the ocean. Surf rods in their PVC holders, tips bent toward the water. Soaking up sun, sitting on a lawn chair.
Life and death in the natural world
Last week, I found two birds on the sidewalk. They were less than a day old, featherless, tiny and dead. It’s that time of year when many are born and many die. Nature might look cruel to us at times, but it’s efficient and it works.
Grizzly bear delisting now in sight
The first step in removing grizzly bears from Endangered Species Act listing in much of Northwest Montana likely will begin late this summer.
Park plowing slowed by weather
Just a few weeks ago, Glacier National Park officials were hoping they’d have plows at Logan Pass by now. Mother Nature, however, had other plans.
Hotel's $10 million project comes to a close
There was a sense of urgency at the Many Glacier Hotel last week as construction crews bustled about making last-minute repairs and moving crews unpacked boxes and boxes of supplies, furniture and all the other amenities that make the lodge one of the premier destinations in Glacier National Park.
Remains of missing Park hiker ID'd
The tale of a man from Malaysia who went missing in Glacier National Park in 2008 has come to a close. Park officials last week said an analysis of bone fragments found last summer matched those of Yi-Jien Hwa.
Friday hikes in Glacier Park
The Glacier National Park Fund will host hikes in Glacier National Park on Fridays through the summer.
Third of four casino bandits sentenced
Three of the four people charged with robbing a casino on U.S. 2 south of Columbia Falls have been sentenced. The fourth was handled in juvenile court.
School and military news
Metals class
Outdoor news
Wolf meeting
Community news
Dance show
Perseverance pays off for student mom
From the beginning, Leesa Dougherty was determined to graduate on time. But the challenges faced by one local teen wife and mother caused some doubt along the way. Despite her misgivings, Dougherty defied the odds and graduated on Saturday with the Columbia Falls High School Class of 2012.
Friday, June 1
John Wilson Otis
John Wilson Otis, of Whitefish, passed away May 26, 2012. He was born December 24, 1938 in Seattle.
Whitewater Festival 2012 #2
Man sentenced in Nite Owl machete case
The 52-year-old Columbia Falls man who allegedly wielded a knife and a machete in the Nite Owl restaurant on Sept. 10, 2011, was sentenced to 10 years with five suspended with the Montana Department of Corrections.
Hungry Horse man sentenced for drug possession
A Hungry Horse man was given a five-year deferred sentence for possession of methamphetamine. Flathead County District Court Judge Stewart Stadler also ordered Jason Elliot to pay a $1,000 fine, $800 in public defenders fees, a $160 surcharge fee and supervision fees while on probation.
DUI conviction upheld by supreme court
The Montana Supreme Court on March 6 upheld the conviction of a Columbia Falls man last year for his fifth DUI.