Railroad hauls good jobs to valley

Some of the best jobs in the Flathead Valley have always been found on the railroad — until two years ago, that is. That’s when conditions on the Hi-Line went south, and BNSF Railway pulled the plug on new jobs.

So it was welcome news last week when BNSF announced it was hiring again, looking to add 45 different positions around Montana, including Glendive and Great Falls as well as Whitefish. The company says it has about 345 employees in the Whitefish region and will be hiring another 10 locally.

Ross Lane, director of public affairs for BNSF in Montana and Wyoming, said, “

We match our transportation to what our customers are demanding. As people spend more, you’ll definitely see BNSF needed more.”

The folks who are lucky enough to get a job with the railroad will find a rigorous and demanding job, but one that offers high wages and other fringe benefits that make it a great opportunity.

FVCC starts on new era

The beginning of a new era for Flathead Valley Community College is close at hand. The college’s student housing, which has been taking shape under the eye of passing motorists for the past several months, is nearing completion, and the college is now taking applications for the units.

There will be room for 124 students in the new buildings. Units will be available for single occupancy or double occupancy, and prices will range from $2,678 per semester for doubles to $3,240 for singles.

The housing price include all utilities, as well as access to kitchens, laundry facilities, study and meeting areas and free parking.

As the college celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it’s obvious that the college’s board and president are focused on the future, not the past.