Ellington

Bigfork school board votes to continue online learning

The Bigfork School Board voted to continue online learning for the remainder of the school year due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus at their Wednesday evening meeting with five members in favor and two opposed. Trustees met at the high school library and more than two dozen others tuned in to the discussion via Google Meets.

School board trustee asks community to support levy

Consider voting in favor of the two levy requests. As a School Board Member, I sit on the committee negotiating staff salaries. I believe our staff’s compensation is not up to par with their peers in the valley. It hope our community can collectively realize the success and progress Bigfork School is making for the betterment of our youth, through defining what is taught and when and pushing each student for educational growth. Our school is fortunate to have talented, committed and compassionate staffing, especially during unprecedented times of school closures. Six weeks ago, during a regularly scheduled board meeting our administrators presented the possible scenario of a school closure, along with the plan they were working on for continuing connection with students to assure their grade level completion for the year. Closure seemed “out of this world,” I listened with skepticism. Two weeks later closures were ordered. Students missed one day while our teachers swiftly and confidently transitioned to virtual online instruction with students connected from home through online media using computers supplied if needed. Surprisingly, student attendance has exceeded the norm. The staff continued supplying meals and essentials as needed by families using buses and displaced staff. Finally, upheaval aside, the staff continues pursuing professional development. Neighboring schools canceled their levies. Our board decided the levy request timing is perfect to reveal how professional and committed our staff is to the kids. Our educators deserve higher pay. Your vote will make the decision.

Bigfork Schools could continue remote learning

Superintendent Matt Jensen said he plans to make a recommendation at the April 29 board meeting that Bigfork Schools carry on with virtual learning.

Food bank open to shoppers in May with restrictions

The Bigfork Food Bank is taking a big step towards normalcy by opening their doors for clients to shop, rather than pick up prepackaged boxes of food, two days next month. Food banks are considered essential businesses and have been allowed to continue operations throughout the coronavirus pandemic. However, to reduce the risk of exposure to both clients and volunteers, the Bigfork Food Bank reduced distribution days down from four to a single day in April and have not allowed customers inside — until now.

Vote yes on levies to increase Bigfork teacher salaries

We appreciate the Bigfork School District Board’s effort to support our local education. As a quick reminder, bonds are for buildings and levies are for learning. Local dollars support our local students where the state funding falls short resulting in cuts to our programs and our students’ futures.

ImagineIF Libraries to offer curbside materials pickup starting in May

ImagineIF Libraries will offer curbside pickup starting May 4 in response to state and local plans to progressively reopen Montana. In the meantime, ImagineIF will retrofit its facilities throughout the county in order to safely open their doors to the public at a later date.

Down to business

Adjusting to the new normal

What did you do this weekend? If asked prior to March 16, I bet your plans would have been vastly different than what you actually did this weekend. The end of April is usually a busy time in Bigfork. Volunteers gather together for Clean Your ‘Fork and then celebrate our village and restaurants with Taste of Bigfork, all in preparation for summer.

Football team manager, golfer keeps lost season in perspective

Bigfork High School senior Hattie Emslie has learned a lot from participating in sports over the past four years.

Bigfork man accused of hatchet assault

Robert Ryan Dury, 40, is charged with one felony count of assault with a weapon.

Former downhill racer starts mobile bike tune-up service

Tom Gibson knows his way around a bike.

Mixed bag of plans to reopen Bigfork businesses

Local businesses ranging from bars to hair salons are now navigating new guidelines aimed at stimulating the economy while keeping people safe.

Whitefish spiker Moore signs with UM-Western

DILLON – Outside hitter Kaiah Moore of Whitefish is among three players that signed letters of intent to play volleyball for University of Montana-Western, Bulldogs coach Katie Lovett announced.

Spring sports canceled by MHSA

Moments after Gov. Bullock’s press conference detailing the phased reopening plan for the state Wednesday, the Montana High School Association issued a statement canceling spring sports.

Those big Lady Griz shoes to fill

To the oddities surrounding Shannon Schweyen’s dismissal we can add Wednesday’s press conference introducing Mike Petrino as coach of the Montana Lady Griz, brought to you by Zoom.

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While Brooks Michaels throws a shot around his grandmother’s back yard and looks forward to going to the same college as his brother Bret, we are left to ponder.

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While Brooks Michaels throws a shot around his grandmother’s back yard and looks forward to going to the same college as his brother Bret, we are left to ponder.

May Day soup drive organized to help restock Bigfork Food Bank

The Bigfork Food Bank is hosting a drive-thru soup drive on Friday, May 1 from 2-5 p.m. During the May Day Soup-raiser donations of canned soup, soup mixes or soup in cartons will be accepted. The food bank is not asking for contributions of individual ingredients at this time since the idea behind the drive is to limit the amount of time volunteers spend sorting items.

Winners named in first annual Montana Screenwriting Competition

The winner and finalists have been selected in the first annual Montana Screenwriting Competition, which challenged writers to create scripts set in Montana. The screenwriting competition was held in conjunction with the fourth annual Bigfork Film Festival, which was postponed from April to Oct. 2-4 due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the festival won’t be held until the fall, script judges were still able to evaluate screenwriting entries and awarded first prize to Larry Baer’s screenplay “Where Buffalo Roam.” The screenplay will be read live by members of the Bigfork Community Players under the direction of Michele Shapero on Sunday, Oct. 4. The screenplay is described as a mystery-romance set in Flathead Valley.

Local churches unite to feed front-line workers

Pastor Randy Passons of Bigfork’s CrossRoads Christian Fellowship had his arms full Thursday afternoon outside the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. Donning a cloth mask covered in words like “hope” and “faith”, he transported dozens of sack lunches into the patrol room to the delight of the deputies on duty. Each bag was loaded with a variety of goodies — granola bars, beef jerky, fruit and other high-energy staples — that officers can easily grab on their way out the door to snack in between calls.

Guitarist delights Rising Mountains residents

Board certified music therapist Kirsten Wells, owner Flathead Music Therapy, sang and played guitar for the residents of Rising Mountains Assisted Living last Friday afternoon. Visitors weren’t allowed inside the building due to restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic, but Wells was able to walk the perimeter of the building, performing from window to window.

First annual Montana Screenwriting Competition names winners

The winner and finalists have been selected in the first annual Montana Screenwriting Competition, which challenged writers to create scripts set in Montana.

Woman accused of firing handgun at boyfriend pleads not guilty

A Bigfork woman accused of firing a gun at her boyfriend pleaded not guilty to one count of felony criminal endangerment during her initial appearance in Flathead County District Court last Wednesday, April 15.

Jessop faces her fears on and off the XC course

Roree Jessop is learning to face her fears head on.

Arnold R. Aklestad, 90

Arnold R. Aklestad, 90, died Sunday, April 12, 2020, at his home in Bigfork.

May Day soup drive to help restock Bigfork Food Bank

The Bigfork Food Bank is hosting a drive-thru soup drive on Friday, May 1 from 2-5 p.m. During the May Day Soup-raiser donations of canned soup, soup mixes or soup in cartons will be accepted. The food bank is not asking for contributions of individual ingredients at this time since the idea behind the drive is to limit the amount of time volunteers spend sorting items.

Churches unite to feed front-line workers

Seven local churches are collaborating to feed workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, from ER nurses and 911 dispatchers to police officers in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls.

Stimulus spending could be a small boost for Bigfork businesses

It can be stressful checking your bank account, especially with the recent economic turmoil due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But last week, many Montanans were delighted to discover an extra $1,200 deposited in their accounts thanks to the recently-passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

Ballots go out for Bigfork school election

Ballots are being mailed out for May school elections.

Girl on a mission: Scout makes masks for service project

A dozen 3D printers are spread throughout Eric Thorsen Gallery on Friday afternoon, methodically creating essential protective equipment for medical workers. Some are churning out masks fitted with N95 filter material, others are printing face shields and still others are creating bands that help secure a better fit for cloth masks. The Thorsens are printing an average of 30 masks per day, along with other protective materials, to help equip local healthcare professionals and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Bigfork couple brings joy to neighborhood with nightly concerts

At just before 6 p.m. last Thursday evening, a melodic “ting” of guitar strings wafted through a lakeshore neighborhood in Bigfork as Darinda Huntley and her husband David Venters tuned up their instruments. In the moments to follow, they assembled on their porch and a couple neighbors emerged from adjacent villas to take in the musical offering.

Research carries on through coronavirus pandemic

Earthquakes, blizzards, windstorms, pandemics … so much has happened since the last “Deep Dive” column published, much of it directly tied to the incessant and insidious spread of COVID-19, that I hardly know where to start. I suppose it would be best to take a breath, relax a little, and let you all know how the Bio Station is being impacted by and responding to these unprecedented challenges.

Feds propose increased hunting on Swan refuge

The federal government has made a proposal to increase hunting and fishing chances on wildlife refuges across the country, including two in Western Montana.

Assisted living facilities get creative in the time of coronavirus

At Lake View Care Center, the exterior windows are dotted with paper hearts embellished with drawings or messages of inspiration. In the halls, residents might be found in their doorways playing social distancing bingo or using iPads to chat with family members and friends.

Girl on a mission: Local scout produces masks, collects donations for service project

Bigfork student prints 3D masks and visors for local workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

Stodghill recalls high school golf career, looks to future

Valkyries golfer Carly Stodghill knows about overcoming adversity.

No current evidence of the virus spreading through mail

Neither snow, nor rain, nor a pandemic stops the U.S. Postal Service from delivering mail.

Deep Dive into Flathead Lake Bio Station with Ian Withrow

Research carries on through coronavirus pandemic

Research at the Flathead Lake Bio Station continues during the coronavirus pandemic, while events see changes.

Feds propose increasing hunting on Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

The federal government has made a proposal to increase hunting and fishing chances on wildlife refuges across the country, including two in Western Montana.

Kaiser learned lessons on the football field in high school career

Seventeen-year-old Vikings senior Robert Kaiser transfered to Bigfork from Oregon in his sophomore year. While in Bigfork, Kaiser played several sports for the Vikings, including football, cheer and track as well also playing on the Bigfork summer baseball team.

Gift card program helps keep businesses afloat

To help local business leaders weather these difficult times, the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce debuted an online gift card program.

Bigfork couple serenades neighbors nightly from balcony

At just before 6 p.m. last Thursday evening, a melodic “ting” of guitar strings wafted through a lakeshore neighborhood in Bigfork as Darinda Huntley and her husband David Venters tuned up their instruments. In the moments to follow, they assembled on their porch and a couple neighbors emerged from adjacent villas to take in the musical offering.

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As Tanner Russell pushes toward another goal – flying a Hornet or Sea King, maybe – it would serve to take stock of his determination.

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As Tanner Russell pushes toward another goal – flying a Hornet or Sea King, maybe – it would serve to take stock of his determination.

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As the interviews rolled in and the stories piled up about the 1988-89 Flathead Braves, I had this dread about all the good stuff among the 7,000 words that wouldn’t make the April 5 Daily Inter Lake.

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As the interviews rolled in and the stories piled up about the 1988-89 Flathead Braves, I had this dread about all the good stuff among the 7,000 words that wouldn’t make the April 5 Daily Inter Lake.

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As the interviews rolled in and the stories piled up about the 1988-89 Flathead Braves, I had this dread about all the good stuff among the 7,000 words that wouldn’t make the April 5 Daily Inter Lake.

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American Legion Baseball announced Tuesday that is cancelling its national tournament as well as all of its eight regional tournaments for 2020, amid worries about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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American Legion Baseball announced Tuesday that is cancelling its national tournament as well as all of its eight regional tournaments for 2020, amid worries about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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American Legion Baseball announced Tuesday that is cancelling its national tournament as well as all of its eight regional tournaments for 2020, amid worries about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Harvest Foods becomes coronavirus front line

Over the past few weeks, employees at grocery stores across the country have suddenly found themselves on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mental-health providers offer tips for keeping a level head amid pandemic

In this new normal, where government directives and information about the COVID-19 pandemic seem to change on a dime and the economic landscape has transformed seemingly overnight, it’s easy to find oneself asking: how are we going to get through this?

SLITERS playhouse raffle continues online to support Flathead nonprofits

Due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, SLITERS Lumber and Building Supply is continuing its DreamBuilders Playhouse raffle by offering tickets online. Proceeds from the raffle will be split evenly among the Nurturing Center, CASA for Kids of Flathead County, Bigfork ACES and the West Shore Food Bank, according to a press release issued Thursday. Tickets can be purchased through April 17 at www.sliters.com/raffle and the drawing will be held Saturday, April 18.

Edgerton, Berreth named All-State for B girls basketball

Megan Baxter of Thomspon Falls, Maggie Graves of Eureka and Ansleigh Edgerton of Bigfork were named All-State for Class B girls’ basketball in voting by Western 7B coaches. The trio – Graves and Edgerton are seniors and Baxter is a junior – lead a total of 12 honorees for the 7B, split between a first and second team. Rounding out the first team are Jody Detlaff of Thompson Falls, Megan Hanson of Eureka and Emma Berreth of Bigfork. Detlaff is a junior; Berreth is a sophomore. A complete All-State team for Class B has not been made available. The complete 7-B all-conference team follows: Western 7-B Girls basketball All-conference First team Megan Baxter, P, jr., Thompson Falls* Maggie Graves, P, sr., Eureka* Ansleigh Edgerton, F/P, sr., Bigfork* Jody Detlaff, P, jr., Thompson Falls Megan Hanson, G, sr., Eureka Emma Berreth, G, so., Bigfork *-All-State selection Second team – Sydney Brander, G/F, jr., Mission; Azia Umphrey, G, sr., Mission; Ellie Baxter, g, fr., Katie Schmidt, G, jr., Eureka; Izzy Santistevan, G/F, sr., Bigfork; Avory Escobar, G/F, sr., Eureka.

Real estate market keeps moving in Bigfork and beyond

Montanans, like most of the country, have been urged to stay at home to combat the spread of COVID-19. But staying at home becomes a bit more complicated for people who are still in the process of buying, selling or moving homes.

Harvest Foods becomes coronavirus front line

Over the past few weeks, employees at grocery stores across the country have suddenly found themselves on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak. The situation is especially serious at Harvest Foods in Bigfork, the small grocery outpost that singlehandedly serves the unincorporated town on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake.

Thorness to play for University of Providence

Viking basketball standout Colt Thorness will be taking the court for the University of Providence next season, the Argos announced Monday.

Mental-health providers offer tips for keeping a level head amid pandemic

While much remains uncertain about the pandemic — the duration, the long-term effects and the cure — local mental-health providers are happy to share a few strategies to help Flathead Valley residents navigate these uncharted waters.

SLITERS DreamBuilders Playhouse raffle continues online to support Flathead nonprofits

SLITERS playhouse raffle continues online to support Flathead nonprofits

Swan River Community Hall seeks funding to repair floor

The Swan River Community Hall has served as an anchor for the people of the greater Bigfork area for 87 years. Inside its walls countless events have transpired — from weddings and reunions to rummage sales and 4-H meetings. But this gabled icon is beginning to show its age. Last year, members of the hall’s Board of Trustees identified serious structural issues with the building: its wooden floor joists are rotting away. So what now? Does this historic structure fade away with time or will the community, once again, buoy it onward to serve the next generation?

Bigfork Summer Playhouse planning regular live season - for now

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is still hoping to provide live entertainment this summer, despite the current COVID-19 crisis.

School election to be held by mail

The school election that will decide two general fund levies and two trustee positions will be held by mail ballot on the previously scheduled date, May 5. The levies break down to $346,146 for the Bigfork Elementary District and $257,422 for the Bigfork High School District and would support increases to staff salaries and benefits and would allow the school to increase course offerings.

Woman accused of shooting at police pleads not guilty

A woman accused of exchanging gunfire with Flathead Valley law officers Tuesday morning in Bigfork has a prior record of assault with a weapon.

Edgerton, Berreth named All-State for B girls basketball

Megan Baxter of Thomspon Falls, Maggie Graves of Eureka and Ansleigh Edgerton of Bigfork were named All-State for Class B girls basketball in voting by Western 7B coaches.

Real estate market keeps moving in Bigfork and beyond

Montanans, like most of the country, have been urged to stay at home to combat the spread of COVID-19. But staying at home becomes a bit more complicated for people who are still in the process of buying, selling or moving homes.

Hoopsters recall the Braves' 1988-89 title season

If you’d asked at the time, probably nobody would have guessed that the 1989 State AA boys’ basketball title would be the Flathead Braves’ last.

Column: No exchange rate on perfect endings

What does the Canadian Football League’s coach of the year for 2018 do during a pandemic?

PacificCorp modifies recreation site operations

In response to stay-at-home directives during the COVID-19 public health emergency, PacifiCorp is modifying operations of its recreation sites in Bigfork until further notice.

Committee favors proposed farm and retreat

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee recommended approval of a request for a conditional-use permit for a “camp and retreat center” north of Bigfork at its teleconference meeting last week.

Community center providing welfare checks, meal delivery

Seniors, along with people who have chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions or compromised immune systems are among the most at-risk groups for developing serious complications from COVID-19. To lessen their chance of exposure, some local seniors are choosing to remain at home and rely on meal delivery or assistance from healthier family members and friends to run errands or fetch supplies. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the Bigfork Community Center has seen an uptick in Meals on Wheels subscribers — and volunteer delivery drivers.

Valley churches adapt to social distancing restrictions

In the warm glow of stained-glass windows, a lone form occupies the pews at Saint Richard Catholic Church Thursday morning. Harriet Mize, of Columbia Falls, is there for her daily hour of prayer. Like the other Catholic churches in the state, Saint Richard suspended Mass services as of March 17. However, the church remains open for private prayer with a 10-person maximum. For parishioners like Mize, it’s a way to stay connected to her faith even without the church community, regular services or religious rituals. “To be able to have access to him and to be able to sit here in his real presence, in that tabernacle, it’s just something that I live for every day,” Mize said. Churches throughout the Flathead Valley are making a variety of modifications to the way they gather and serve their community in light of the coronavirus pandemic. In Montana, 184 cases of COVID-19 have been reported as of Tuesday afternoon, including 11 patients in Flathead County.

Popular Somers Beach could become state park

Montana State Parks, the Flathead Land Trust and other stakeholders would like to convert the popular Somers Beach on Flathead Lake’s north shore into a state park and are asking for the public’s input on the matter.

Community center providing wellfare checks, meal delivery

Seniors, along with people who have chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions or compromised immune systems are among the most at-risk groups for developing serious complications from COVID-19. To lessen their chance of exposure, some local seniors are choosing to remain at home and rely on meal delivery or assistance from healthier family members and friends to run errands or fetch supplies. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the Bigfork Community Center has seen an uptick in Meals on Wheels subscribers — and volunteer delivery drivers.

Eagle Bend provides safe outlet for cooped up golfers

Many businesses across the Flathead Valley are closed due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, including most recreational facilities.

Bigfork author releases 'The Lookout Woman'

Bigfork author Mae Schick has released her newest book, “The Lookout Woman,” a novel set on a mountain lookout near Glacier National Park.

In times of social distancing, some safe ways to recreate

With Montana in its second week of Governor Steve Bullock’s shelter in place/stay at home order, many across the state find themselves beginning to feel a bit stir crazy. In a state with a strong connection to the outdoors and outdoor activities, many find themselves asking what outdoor recreation can still be enjoyed while staying safe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the answer is quite a few things, if certain precautions are followed.

Valley churches adapt to social distancing restrictions

Churches throughout the Flathead Valley are making a variety of modifications to the way they gather and serve their community in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bigfork committee favors proposed farm and retreat

Committee favors proposed farm and retreat

Santistevan switches to Rocky

Former Viking basketball standout Beau Santistevan will be making the move to Rocky Mountain College next season after spending two years at Dawson Community College in Glendive.

Most PacificCorp recreation sites remain open, few closed

In response to stay-at-home directives during the COVID-19 public health emergency, PacifiCorp is modifying operations of its recreation sites in Bigfork until further notice.

Renegade motorcycle riders take to the shoreline

Friday, March 20