Stories for July 2014

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Thursday, July 31

July 31, 2014 3:02 p.m.

Type 3 team takes over North Fork fires

The Flathead National Forest reports that a Type 3 management team has taken over responsibility for several wildfires that have been burning up the North Fork since a lightning storm passed through on July 29.

July 31, 2014 1:45 p.m.

36th annual Festival of Arts this weekend

Artistic talent will be abundant in Bigfork this weekend.

July 31, 2014 1:38 p.m.

Town Characters: Ernie the Finn and Long George

Preface: This collection of vignettes is a chapter from my childhood memoir, The Tornado in my Life, that spans the period from 1950 to 1964 when my parents, Bill and Anne Haug, owned a bar on Bigfork’s Electric Avenue. While some may remember these characters and events differently than I do, this is my perception of the people and events that shaped my small life, not about facts that have no real meaning out of context.

July 31, 2014 1:34 p.m.

SLOW installs speed indicators in Somers

Two new speed indicator signs were installed along U.S. 93 near Somers last week, thanks to two years of work by Lakeside’s Jere Newell and Saving Lives on the West Shore.

July 31, 2014 12:23 p.m.

Festival Amadeus returns to Whitefish for sixth year

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale will host its sixth annual Festival Amadeus in Whitefish on Aug. 4-10. The weeklong celebration will showcase eight distinguished guest soloists and the Festival Amadeus Orchestra in seven nights of chamber and orchestra concerts.

July 31, 2014 11:52 a.m.

Flathead leads the way in gambling revenue gains

Video gaming revenue in Montana is slowly climbing back to its 2008 levels, before the impacts of the recent recession and the ban on indoor smoking.

July 31, 2014 11:26 a.m.

What do ants taste like?

A recent conversation with a friend brought about one of those questions that periodically shake the foundations of Western civilization: What does an ant taste like to a trout?

Wednesday, July 30

July 30, 2014 2:52 p.m.

Borderlands: What's happening to America?

A man, an American citizen, sits in his car as a U.S. Border Patrol agent insists that he roll down his window. He refuses. Agents use battering rams to smash the windows. Still, the driver refuses to leave his car, so he is hit with a Taser from two sides. He screams.

July 30, 2014 12:58 p.m.

Lightning storm starts small wildfires

The Flathead National Forest reports that a storm creating 139 lightning strikes on the night of Tuesday, July 28, ignited several small wildfires.

July 30, 2014 10:37 a.m.

Climate change is a scientific reality

We’re Montanans who also happen to be scientists. As scientists, we understand the scientific principles demonstrating that human activity is rapidly changing our climate. That is why we joined more than 100 other scientists across Montana in sending a letter to our top elected officials calling on them to support policies that reduce carbon pollution.

July 30, 2014 10:29 a.m.

There's good news, bad news in annual State of the Lake report

Over 100 people packed into a meeting room at the Flathead Lake Biological Station in Yellow Bay last Tuesday, for the annual Flathead Lakers meeting.

July 30, 2014 10:27 a.m.

Tax lien sales help county budget

Flathead County got a nice little windfall last week.

July 30, 2014 10:25 a.m.

Commissioners balk at water project

Completion of the Bigfork stormwater project met another obstacle Monday.

July 30, 2014 10:24 a.m.

Marvel Logan

Marvel Ann Logan, 85, passed away peacefully in the early morning of July 24, 2014. She was born in Whitefish to Ephrium and Sadie Street on Nov. 13, 1928.

July 30, 2014 10:23 a.m.

Public land puzzle comes together

Two deer jumped out of the underbrush on Otter Island Monday, dipped their muzzles in a cool backwater channel of the Flathead River and fled out of sight.

July 30, 2014 10:20 a.m.

64th annual Ferndale barbecue is time for community to come together

It may be the one time of the year when people get to see a firefighter … and like it.

July 30, 2014 10:18 a.m.

Stormwater project deserves county support

You learn so many wonderful things watching YouTube. Things you might not otherwise know, such as PooPouri, a product that is sprayed on WC water before, well, you know, and it somehow makes the room smell like roses. Or citrus. Or whatever.

July 30, 2014 10:16 a.m.

What happened to the America we used to know?

A few years back I was in an old working class neighborhood of Great Falls, walking down tree-lined avenues that must have been something a few years back.

July 30, 2014 10:12 a.m.

Hard-working Lakeside volunteer helps overseas troops know they're remembered

Donna Chase stood over a table covered in magazines.

July 30, 2014 10:10 a.m.

Agreement signed for Sliter Park

Sliter Park is safe for another year.

July 30, 2014 10:09 a.m.

Classical music builds roots in Bigfork

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale enters its seventh season of summer classical music with its Festival Amadeus, and this year the Whitefish-based concert series comes to Bigfork.

July 30, 2014 10:08 a.m.

Benefit Revue showcases company talent

Bigfork Summer Playhouse actors will take to the stage Sunday night, showcasing their talent and performing some of their favorite numbers from movie musicals in the annual Benefit Revue.

Tuesday, July 29

July 29, 2014 2:49 p.m.

Flathead Lake open house

The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station will host a free open house on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. with boat trips through the afternoon, scientific displays about Flathead Lake and its watershed and an opportunity to talk with researchers about their work.

July 29, 2014 9:44 a.m.

Federal land transfer idea is not reasonable

For those interested in the management of natural resources on national forests and the ability to access those wild and wide open areas, there is an opportunity to ensure you will be able to continue to enjoy and benefit from these activities.

July 29, 2014 9:31 a.m.

Swimmers do well in divisional meet

The Columbia Falls swim team had several strong performances at the Western Divisional meet in Fort Benton on July 26-27.

July 29, 2014 8:28 a.m.

Outdoor news

St. Mary Visitor Center reopened

July 29, 2014 8:25 a.m.

School news

MSU grads

July 29, 2014 8:23 a.m.

One Day for Glacier campaign kicks off Aug. 2

More than 150 businesses will join the Glacier National Park Conservancy in a fundraising effort for Glacier National Park called One Day for Glacier starting Saturday, Aug. 2. GNPC is Glacier Park’s official philanthropic and outreach partner.

July 29, 2014 8:03 a.m.

Thanks for your support

The 18th annual Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 3-on-3 basketball tournament was again very successful.

Monday, July 28

July 28, 2014 4:03 p.m.

Brewery talks making headway

Talks between tavern owners and microbreweries appear to be making progress, as a coalition representing a large portion of the Montana alcohol beverage industry recently announced a draft solution.

July 28, 2014 9:51 a.m.

VanHorn tested in wilderness course

Alex VanHorn, 20, of Columbia Falls, recently completed a semester-long wilderness course with the National Outdoor Leadership School.

July 28, 2014 9:27 a.m.

CSKT water compact is an over-reach

I was a member of the House Judiciary Committee that heard the bill that would have implemented the current Confederated Salish and Kootanai Tribes water compact. The bill did not make it out of committee and did not receive enough votes from the full House membership to bring it to the House floor for more debate. This compact did not pass because it was a massive over-reach by CSKT and the Montana Reserved Water Right Commission that negotiated with the tribes for the state of Montana.  

July 28, 2014 7:55 a.m.

Claire Riley

Claire Lupino Riley, 82, died July 21, 2014, at her home in Columbia Falls.

July 28, 2014 7:20 a.m.

Check stations finding illegal live fish in boats

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that at least nine trailered boats checked recently at roadside watercraft inspection stations were transporting live fish, which is illegal in Montana’s western and central fishing districts.

July 28, 2014 7:18 a.m.

Bowdoin Wildlife Refuge a haven for wildlife

Fifteen thousand years ago, after leaving its home base in northern Canada, a runaway continental ice sheet passed through these parts, scouring the landscape and moving the Missouri River 50 miles to the south. The lakes that now make up the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge were once a horseshoe bend of the pre-glacier Missouri River.

July 28, 2014 7:16 a.m.

Daines wrong to kill Montana-made forest projects

Sending a new Congressman off to Washington, D.C. is somewhat like sending a child off to school — you hope he doesn’t fall in with the wrong crowd.

Thursday, July 24

July 24, 2014 1:51 p.m.

In foreign affairs, not doing anything is the thing to do

The heartbreaking violence in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere carries many messages, but here’s one Americans shouldn’t miss: The United States — no matter who the president is — cannot manage world conflict. The corollary is that when a president tries to manage it, things will usually get worse. Foresight is always defective, and tragic unintended consequences will prevail.

July 24, 2014 11:17 a.m.

St. Mary Visitor Center closed

Glacier National Park officials report that an early morning incident on July 24 involving the furnace at the St. Mary Visitor Center triggered the building’s sprinkler system.

July 24, 2014 9:24 a.m.

Conservation groups discover big landslide

The Swan View Coalition and Friends of the Wild Swan recently reported their discovery of a large landslide in the Flathead National Forest that fell into Sullivan Creek.

July 24, 2014 7:21 a.m.

Feds propose new oil train rules

Stronger tanker cars, slower speeds and keeping state emergency personnel informed — those are the key elements in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s proposed rules for trains hauling crude oil.

Wednesday, July 23

July 23, 2014 3:06 p.m.

Likes Lewis

Coming from a blue-collar family in Northwest Montana and as a conservative, job creation via natural resource development is a top priority for me.

July 23, 2014 11:44 a.m.

Rangers kill troublesome black bear at Two Medicine

Glacier National Park Rangers killed a black bear from the Two Medicine area on July 18 after it reportedly exhibited food-conditioned behavior on several occasions — including charging a picnicking family.

July 23, 2014 11:42 a.m.

Sun Road noise study begins

A vehicle-noise education and outreach project along Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road will take place through mid-August as part of the Sun Road Corridor Management Plan development process.

July 23, 2014 11:28 a.m.

William Sizemore

William Robert “Bill” Sizemore, 59, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully in his sleep from pneumonia on Dec 26, 2013, in Sequim, Wash., where he was living at the time.

July 23, 2014 7:07 a.m.

12U All Stars take third at state

July 23, 2014 6:57 a.m.

164 boats fail AIS inspections

July 23, 2014 6:42 a.m.

Candidate Mitchell speaks to city

July 23, 2014 6:32 a.m.

State 10U baseball champs

The Columbia Falls 10U Cal Ripken baseball team won the state championship held in Ronan last weekend.

July 23, 2014 6:31 a.m.

William McKinley

William Charles McKinley, 81, of Missoula, passed away July 19, 2014, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.

July 23, 2014 1:15 a.m.

Alan Robbins is eager to work with Bigfork High School staff and students

Alan Robbins sat behind an empty desk in his new office at Bigfork High School.

July 23, 2014 1 a.m.

Through My Eyes: Cyclists flood Going-to-the-Sun road Saturday underneath the “supermoon”

My shoes hitting the pavement pounded out a nice rhythm, occasionally interrupted by the whizzing sound of bike spokes, or the purr of a car engine, I plodded up Going-to-the-Sun Road.

July 23, 2014 1 a.m.

Bigfork chalk art festival gears up

Bigfork is hosting its first chalk art festival Sept. 21-22, the Bigfork Chalk ’n Rock Festival, and expects to decorate its streets with as many as 40 large works of art.

July 23, 2014 1 a.m.

Support stormwater project

We need your help!  For over two years the Flathead County Commissioners have put off making a decision whether to move forward with the measures needed to complete the Bigfork Stormwater Project.  In 2013 the County received approval from the Legislature for a grant from the Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation of $100,000 to help with constructions costs and set up expenses.  This grant will not only lower construction costs but would pay for the administrative costs of setting up the Rural Special Improvement District (RSID) for the Bigfork Stormwater Project.  Without their action, the grant will expire on December 31, 2014.

July 23, 2014 1 a.m.

Locals raise money to build house in Honduras

The first night after Bonnie Hoffman decided to build a house for a family in Honduras, she couldn’t sleep.

July 23, 2014 1 a.m.

Locals needs to stay on top of county government

Out here in the wild west of southern Flathead County, life’s pretty simple.

Tuesday, July 22

July 22, 2014 2:12 p.m.

On Bob Marshall's legacy

On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 28, 1928, Bob Marshall departed Kalispell to embark on an eight-day hiking trip that would cover 288 miles and cross landmarks such as Mount Aeneus, White River Pass, the Chinese Wall, Big Prairie, Gordon Pass and Holland Pass and end at the Seeley Post Office.

July 22, 2014 11:39 a.m.

Obama talks about workforce opportunity bill

The following remarks about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act were made by President Barack Obama at the White House on July 22, 2014.

July 22, 2014 9:48 a.m.

North Fork bill caught up in Montana politics

Didn’t we all think that the international effort to protect the North Fork Flathead River from coal mining was all but done in 2013?

July 22, 2014 6:05 a.m.

Park talk on print making

The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center at Glacier National Park will host a free brown-bag lecture at the Community Building in West Glacier on Thursday, July 24, from noon to 1 p.m.

Monday, July 21

July 21, 2014 12:20 p.m.

Bison restoration isn't broken, so stop trying to fix it

The question is not if we should restore bison in Montana — in fact, that’s already in progress. What’s being debated in Montana right now are the devilish details of how and where we do it.

July 21, 2014 11:31 a.m.

Columbia Falls Heritage Days schedule

Wednesday - July 23

July 21, 2014 11:28 a.m.

Community news

Flathead National Park

July 21, 2014 11:27 a.m.

Outdoor news

Weed roundup

July 21, 2014 10:06 a.m.

Small businesses want minimum wage increase

If Congress actually listened to small business owners, the minimum wage would be going up. Instead, July 24 will mark five years without an increase since the federal minimum wage was set at $7.25 an hour in 2009.

July 21, 2014 9:49 a.m.

Logan Pass water system temporarily down

Visitors to Glacier National Park’s Logan Pass are advised to bring their own water or refillable water bottle this week while temporary water tanks are installed.

Sunday, July 20

July 20, 2014 1:37 p.m.

Evans wins 24th annual Coors Light Montana 200

The 24th annual Coors Light Montana 200 finished in stunning fashion as a comeback story was capped off in victory lane by Garrett Evans.

July 20, 2014 1:19 p.m.

Bill Rinck

A. William “Bill” G. Rinck, 63, of Coram, died on July 16, 2014, following a six-year life-filled journey with prostate cancer, with which he made peace. He took his last breath with his family at their home, surrounded by nature.

Friday, July 18

July 18, 2014 10 p.m.

Bigfork Relay for Life should be an Institution

A small group of people walked slowly but solemly around the Bigfork High School track at last year’s Relay for Life.

July 18, 2014 10 p.m.

Relay for Life: help make it a Bigfork institution

A small group of people walked slowly but solemly around the Bigfork High School track at last year’s Relay for Life.

July 18, 2014 3:25 p.m.

Bigfork Fourth of July Parade 2014

July 18, 2014 2:24 p.m.

Conservation groups out of Badger-Two Med lawsuit

Several conservation groups will not be allowed to file as intervenors in a lawsuit filed by an oil company seeking to force U.S. officials to lift a suspension on drilling in the Badger-Two Medicine area south of Glacier National Park.

July 18, 2014 12:35 p.m.

Glacier and Yellowstone at top of USA Today poll

Travel experts and readers of USA Today recently ranked Glacier and Yellowstone national parks as two of the country’s best.

July 18, 2014 12:31 p.m.

New report describes economic impacts of national parks

A new National Park Service report shows that the 4.2 million visitors to national parks in Montana spent $397.3 million last year and supported 6,354 jobs in the state.

July 18, 2014 10:28 a.m.

Costs of new trash site presented

A trash collection “super site” is in the works for Bigfork, but Flathead County officials want more public input before it buys the land to build it.

July 18, 2014 10:27 a.m.

Decision made on day-use area project

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released a decision Friday for proposed improvements to Wayfarers State Park in the Harry Horn Day use area.

July 18, 2014 10:25 a.m.

Bigfork's Relay for Life celebrates community spirit

Last July Billie Smith of Bigfork learned she had cancer.

July 18, 2014 8:03 a.m.

Republicans are wealthiest in Montana Congressional races

Recently released financial disclosure forms indicate that Republican candidates in Montana’s Congressional races have the most personal wealth.

July 18, 2014 7:18 a.m.

Higher energy taxes no solution to Washington fiscal mess

As the summer driving season heats up, time is winding down for Congress to fix the ailing Highway Trust Fund. Though, in usual fashion, the outcome will almost certainly be another temporary patch rather than a long-term solution.

July 18, 2014 6:21 a.m.

Again, the isolationist smear

It doesn’t take much to be smeared as an isolationist by leading Republicans. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who appears to be running for president again, and former vice president Dick Cheney — not to mention Sen. John McCain, Gov. Chris Christie and other members of the GOP establishment — can always be counted on to drag out that insult whenever they sense a threat from anyone not as hawkish as they are.

Thursday, July 17

July 17, 2014 3:30 p.m.

Highline Trail now open in Glacier Park

The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is open, but snow remains on the trail past Haystack Butte. Strong hiking skills and snow travel skills, as well as the appropriate equipment, are recommended for this alpine trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet.

Wednesday, July 16

July 16, 2014 3:43 p.m.

Cherry crop on track for good harvest

Average just might be good enough for this year’s Flathead Lake cherry crop.

July 16, 2014 3:36 p.m.

Hundreds speak out against bridge

A petition signed by 400 people who object to a 600-foot bridge being built on the north shore of Flathead Lake was presented to the Flathead County commissioners last week.

July 16, 2014 3:32 p.m.

Bigfork Relay for Life changes it up to revitalize event

Bigfork’s Relay for Life is making some changes this year.

July 16, 2014 3:31 p.m.

Bigfork adds third well to local water supply

The Bigfork Water and Sewer district is adding another well.

July 16, 2014 3:30 p.m.

Parade made successful by volunteers

There is a lot of behind the scenes activity in providing our community a safe and fun Independence Day parade.  

July 16, 2014 3:29 p.m.

Putting a price tag on Flathead Lake

We love our big, beautiful lake for its stunning clarity. We enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, sunsets, storms, and creating family memories and friendships. The lake supports businesses and provides clean water for the wants and needs of all living creatures within its watershed. It is a special, limited resource and living around it is highly desirable. These elements, subjective and objective, factor into the value of this remarkable jewel, Flathead Lake. But how do economists put a number value on all of this?

July 16, 2014 3:23 p.m.

Playhouse presents comedic, relatable show

Quirky, hilarious, and relatable.

July 16, 2014 3:20 p.m.

Hockaday summer activities

 The Hockaday Museum of Art presents the 46th consecutive Arts in the Park festival Friday through Sunday, July 18 - 20 in downtown Kalispell’s Depot Park at Main and Center Streets.  

July 16, 2014 3:17 p.m.

Former Bigfork coach leaves Whitefish

Whitefish High School’s new boys basketball coach is on the way out before he even coaches a single game.

July 16, 2014 3:14 p.m.

Bryn Morley shows well on national stage

Bryn Morley of Bigfork turned in a spectacular showing in the women’s 1,500-meter run final on Sunday at the USA Track & Field Junior Championships at Hayward Field.

July 16, 2014 3:12 p.m.

Volunteers are key to the success of this Lakeside institution

After seven years of saving money, the West Shore Community Library got a makeover.

July 16, 2014 7:43 a.m.

Margret Rupp

Margret May Rock Rupp, 77, passed away June 27, 2014, at North Valley Hospital with her family by her side.

July 16, 2014 7:42 a.m.

Karol Knowles

Karol Elaine Knowles, 59, of Browning, daughter of Thelma and Wilbur Gulbranson and mother of Jeremy Erickson, passed away on July 6, 2014, at Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland, Ore.

July 16, 2014 7:42 a.m.

New EPA water rules are complicated

Americans expect straight talk from their government. If our government says something, you ought to be able to take it to the bank, as the saying goes.

July 16, 2014 7:41 a.m.

Bike path fundraiser

Thanks to everyone who came out for the fourth annual Pints for Paths fundraiser for the Gateway to Glacier Trail. A great group of supporters showed up to listen to great music from Spring Wagon String Band and Shakewell and sample beer from 17 different breweries.

July 16, 2014 7:09 a.m.

Glacier Twins snap mid-season skid

July 16, 2014 7:08 a.m.

DeWit assistant coach at Tech

July 16, 2014 7:03 a.m.

Tester will hear plowing proposals

July 16, 2014 6:55 a.m.

New map for the Cabinet Wilderness

Tuesday, July 15

July 15, 2014 2:18 p.m.

Heard enough

I’ve heard enough. Why’s the world’s greatest liar still allowed to plunder what’s left of this nation?

July 15, 2014 9:33 a.m.

Obama talks about America's highways

The following remarks on the economy were made by President Barack Obama at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, Va., on July 15, 2014.

July 15, 2014 8:08 a.m.

Football history

The Brunett family has been in the Columbia Falls area for about five generations. I remember my father Donald Brunett tell me stories about the community support when he played high school football in Columbia Falls. Leather helmets were the safety attire back then.

July 15, 2014 7:27 a.m.

Woman drowns in McDonald Creek

Monday, July 14

July 14, 2014 10:26 a.m.

School news

College grad

July 14, 2014 10:22 a.m.

Determining the economic value of Flathead Lake

The following op-ed piece came from the staff at the Flathead Lake Biological Station at Yellow Bay on Flathead Lake.

Sunday, July 13

July 13, 2014 9:22 a.m.

Woman swept over Lower McDonald Creek Falls

Glacier National Park dispatch was notified of a woman who had fallen into McDonald Creek, near the upper falls and was being carried downstream around 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.

Thursday, July 10

July 10, 2014 4:04 p.m.

Flathead Lake cherry harvest expected to be average

With harvesting to begin in about a week, this year’s Flathead Lake cherry crop is forecast to be on par with last year’s harvest of about 1.5 million pounds.

July 10, 2014 2:01 p.m.

Let the immigrants stay

Virtually all commentary about the influx of unaccompanied Central American children into the United States, which some say could rise to 90,000 this year, misses the point — no government has the moral authority to capture these kids and send them back to the miserable situations they have escaped.

July 10, 2014 2 p.m.

Ella Mae Stevens

Ella Mae Stevens, 75, passed away at the Montana Veterans Home on July 8, 2014, after a long battle with breast cancer.

July 10, 2014 7:10 a.m.

Geologist describes where the gold comes from

David Alt, author and a retired professor of geology at the University of Montana, explains why gold was found in Grasshopper Creek and the surrounding gulches.

July 10, 2014 6:53 a.m.

New Glacier Park book lists 'must-do' hikes

From majestic mountains to sweeping valleys, Glacier National Park offers a little bit of everything for every hiker.

July 10, 2014 6:39 a.m.

Plum Creek plant could be 100 percent by Friday

Plum Creek Timber Company’s medium-density fiberboard production plant could be running at 100 percent by week’s end, said Tom Ray, Plum Creek’s vice president of northwest resources and management.

Wednesday, July 9

July 9, 2014 7:42 a.m.

Flo Town champs

July 9, 2014 7:41 a.m.

Rough week for Glacier Twins

July 9, 2014 7:41 a.m.

McCubbins signs to play baseball

July 9, 2014 6:55 a.m.

Hilde Irriger

Hilde Maria Irriger, 98, passed away at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula on June 27, 2014.

July 9, 2014 6:53 a.m.

Keith Weasel Tail

Keith Alan Weasel Tail, 53, ended a long and hard-fought battle with cancer on July 7, 2014, in the arms of his wife Jeanie.

Tuesday, July 8

July 8, 2014 3:48 p.m.

Commissioners balance delicate land issues

Bigfork Eagle

July 8, 2014 3:46 p.m.

After community push, county seeks to develop new trash site

The Flathead County Solid Waste Board voted last week to approve building a new green box site in Bigfork.

July 8, 2014 3:44 p.m.

New program helps the elderly and people with disabilities enjoy life on the farm

Evelyn Sutton rode on horseback to school as a girl growing up near the Sweet Grass Hills in Chester, Mont.

July 8, 2014 3:43 p.m.

Neighbor voices concerns over river access

 Since 1993 I’ve lived across the street from the access on Rainbow Dr. in Ferndale.

July 8, 2014 3:40 p.m.

The importance of Life Jackets

Life jackets are like seat belts, they only work if you wear them. Here are helpful tips for having and wearing the right life jacket.  

July 8, 2014 3:39 p.m.

Kayaking instructor Anne Clark stresses the importance of practice

When Anne Clark took her first kayak class she was terrified of flipping her boat.

July 8, 2014 3:38 p.m.

Open burning closed as July heats up

As of July 1, 2014, open burning will be closed until Oct. 1, 2014. Recreational campfires will be allowed. They must be no bigger than 4’ x 4’ x 4’ and in a fire ring.  

July 8, 2014 3:36 p.m.

Through my eyes: First Riverbend concert of the season made memorable

There’s something magical about rain.

July 8, 2014 3:34 p.m.

Trout restoration nears completion

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing to waive angling limits on a lake in the Bob Marshall Wilderness that will become the next chapter in a multiyear effort to restore native westslope cutthroat trout.

July 8, 2014 12:58 p.m.

Glacier Park talk on pollinators

The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center at Glacier National Park will host a free brown-bag lecture on Monday, July 14, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Park’s Community Building, in the Park Headquarters District.

July 8, 2014 8:37 a.m.

Eugene Lorang

Eugene Rodney “Rod” Lorang, age 70, passed away July 6, 2014, at his home in Whitefish.

July 8, 2014 6:25 a.m.

Community news

Summer concerts

Sunday, July 6

July 6, 2014 5:06 p.m.

Lessor wins Super Late Models race

After all the fireworks shows in the valley last night, Montana Raceway Park provided the Twisted Tea and Jesco Marine and Power Sports Super Late Model 125. As the Bandoleros, Bombers, Hobby Stocks and Super Late Models participated in the Firecracker USA shootout, some qualifying records were put to the test, and an amazing performance in the main highlighted the festivities.

Friday, July 4

July 4, 2014 6:49 a.m.

Bear attacks C-Falls woman

A report of a woman attacked by a suspected black bear while running with her dogs on Forest Service property in the Cedar Flats area north of Columbia Falls was investigated by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Forest Service personnel.

Thursday, July 3

July 3, 2014 2:43 p.m.

Outdoor news

Big thanks

July 3, 2014 9:55 a.m.

Sun Road now open but could be hazardous

The full 50-mile length of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is now open to motor vehicles, but drivers need to be aware of potential hazards from falling rock and snow.

July 3, 2014 9:46 a.m.

On immigration

Even if you are a fourth or fifth generation Montanan, your ancestors came from somewhere else to settle here. And his or her reason for doing so could be to start a new life in a new land, or to escape some type of discrimination, persecution or forced conscription.

July 3, 2014 9:44 a.m.

Obama talks about the U.S. economy

The following remarks about the U.S. economy were made by President Barack Obama at the Tech Hub 1776 in Washington, D.C. on July 3, 2014.

July 3, 2014 9:23 a.m.

Vote for the Best of Bigfork

Vote for the Best of Bigfork in our annual online poll: http://flatheaddeals.secondstreetapp.com/l/The-Best-of-Bigfork-2014

July 3, 2014 7:45 a.m.

Flathead Forest seeking input on extensive road system

The Flathead National Forest will host an open house to gather input on its road system at the Supervisor’s Office, 650 Wolfpack Way, in Kalispell on Tuesday, July 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, July 2

July 2, 2014 3:27 p.m.

Access to Logan Pass available tonight

Glacier National Park officials announced today that the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road will open to vehicle travel later this evening.

July 2, 2014 2:22 p.m.

Neighbors concerned over high use of Swan River access

Lake County commissioners are meeting in Bigfork today to find a solution to the closure of a popular river access on Rainbow Drive near Bigfork.

July 2, 2014 2:19 p.m.

County seeks funding to replace steel bridge

Flathead County has applied for state funding to replace the single-lane bridge on Bridge Street in Bigfork.

July 2, 2014 2:17 p.m.

Bigfork Rotary Club presents annual awards

Rotary Club of Bigfork

July 2, 2014 2:16 p.m.

Colstrip is neither cheap nor reliable

When your old car continues to break down, there comes a point when you decide to stop throwing money at it and invest in a newer, more reliable vehicle that will save you in the long run. Unit 4 at the aging Colstrip coal-fired power plant is now analogous to that old car that needed a valve job last year, a new exhaust system this year, and likely will need another expensive fix next year as well.  Unfortunately, Montana’s electricity bill-payers aren’t in the driver’s seat on the financial decisions for the power plant.

July 2, 2014 2:14 p.m.

This Montana Life: Living with bears has changed

Nights were the worst when it was bear season.

July 2, 2014 2:13 p.m.

Raising the red pollution flag

 Not feeling any urgency to save lives from the pollution from the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, nothing is getting done with any haste to acquire Super Funds monies to clean up the mess.  The new owners of the CFAC, Glencore plc, could care less….as it is saving them money.  Their claim of contribution is to pass the obligation to the former owner Atlantic Richfield and BP plc.  And, of course, there are the ridiculous findings from well tests, reported to US Senator Jon Tester, that no significant pollution was found.  Not much social license here.

July 2, 2014 2:08 p.m.

Come prepared for early-season hiking in the Jewel Basin

Danni Coffman celebrated her birthday in style Sunday with a sunny jaunt in the Jewel Basin near Bigfork.

July 2, 2014 2:07 p.m.

Anticipation builds for another great Fourth parade

Oh, Say Can You See!

July 2, 2014 2:06 p.m.

Celebrating 100 years of women voting in Montana

It was 100 years ago when Montana women gained the right to vote.

July 2, 2014 2:05 p.m.

Great Northern Gourmet's new owners bring organic, unique food to Bigfork

Great Northern Foods has gone gourmet.

July 2, 2014 2 p.m.

Tarzan swings into Bigfork

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse production of Tarzan is a captivating, emotional rollercoaster. And in my opinion, far more entertaining than the Disney animation based on a 1914 novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

July 2, 2014 1:01 p.m.

Hobby Lobby ruling falls short

As far as it went, the Supreme Court generally got it right in the Hobby Lobby-Obamacare contraception case. Unfortunately it didn’t go nearly far enough.

July 2, 2014 6:49 a.m.

Twins split at Ed Gallo tourney

July 2, 2014 6:34 a.m.

A personal tale of melting ice

Tuesday, July 1

July 1, 2014 3:10 p.m.

'Hobby Lobby' lost in a sea of other court rulings

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby ruling on June 30, 2014, Libertarian Party executive director Wes Benedict made the following statement:

July 1, 2014 2:55 p.m.

McCubbins signs to play college baseball

Cameron McCubbins, son of 1994 Columbia Falls High School graduates Amy and Patrick McCubbins, has committed  to attend school and play baseball for Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Ariz.

July 1, 2014 12:51 p.m.

Reclaim democracy

I was deeply moved by the op-ed article by veterans Lee Raney, Janevic, Blood, Wolverton and Grove outlining Department of Defense’s efforts to expand the military’s renewable energy production, and urging Americans to patriotically reduce their carbon footprint while encouraging increased domestic production of clean energy.

July 1, 2014 11:36 a.m.

May and Vernon Mauritsen

The Mauritsen families invite friends and family to celebrate with us the lives of our parents May and Vernon Mauritsen at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow.

July 1, 2014 10:27 a.m.

Sports news

Heritage tourney

July 1, 2014 10:26 a.m.

Community news

Pastor honored

July 1, 2014 10:25 a.m.

Outdoor news

Canyon bike path

July 1, 2014 9:41 a.m.

Logan Pass to open this weekend