TAYLOR INMAN
Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore for the Bigfork Eagle and hosts News Now and other podcasts for the Daily Inter Lake. Originally from Kentucky, Taylor started her career at the award-winning public radio newsroom at Murray State University. She worked as a general assignment reporter for WKMS, where her stories aired on National Public Radio, including the show “All Things Considered.” She can be reached at 406-758-4440 or at tinman@dailyinterlake.com.
Recent Stories
Bigfork Senior Center holds rummage sale this Saturday
The Bigfork Senior Center is holding a garage sale this weekend as one of the first events to kick-off fundraising efforts to renovate the facility.

Friends of Ferndale Fire’s BBQ fundraiser good food and fun for all
The Friends of Ferndale Fire Department’s annual summer barbecue fundraiser is a chance for the community to give back to first responders while enjoying a bison burger and some huckleberry ice cream.

Proposed luxury resort above Lakeside gets first public hearing
The members-only development known as Flathead Lake Club, planned to be nestled next to Blacktail Mountain, would include seven commercial or amenity lots, open space, along with parcels allotted for the golf course, according to a major subdivision application filed with Flathead County.

Only minor injuries reported after car plunges 400 feet off Jewel Basin Road
Bigfork Fire Department rescued two out-of-state visitors after their vehicle went over a cliff on Jewel Basin Road last week.

Community leader has served Bigfork through volunteer service
Paul Mutascio will serve as the grand marshal of Bigfork’s annual Fourth of July parade.

Finished bridge connects Bigfork's past to its future
Bigfork has its bridge back, and community leaders say it’s the perfect representation of changes the village is embracing while not letting go of its small-town charm.

Community leader has served Bigfork through volunteer service
Paul Mutascio will serve as the grand marshal of Bigfork’s annual Fourth of July parade.
80 years later, Flathead Lake Lodge is still a beloved destination
Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork has been a dream destination for those looking to get a taste of the old West since its inception in 1945. It’s why guests and employees alike keep coming back decade after decade.

Work on Bigfork's downtown bridge wraps up ahead of schedule
Congressman Ryan Zinke and Flathead County commissioners joined construction crews in Bigfork on Monday to celebrate the feat of replacing the village’s historic one-lane bridge.
Ribbon cutting event for Bridge Street Bridge set for June 25
teases
Zinke, county officials and engineers celebrate Bigfork bridge replacement
Congressman Ryan Zinke and Flathead County commissioners joined construction crews in Bigfork on Monday to celebrate the feat of replacing the village’s historic one-lane bridge.

Bigfork Bridge replacement anticipated to be complete by end of June
Bigfork’s historic one-lane bridge will be back open just in time for the village to welcome hordes of Fourth of July visitors.

StoryCorps mobile recording booth records Flathead Valley’s stories
StoryCorps, an organization dedicated to recording Americans’ stories for more than 20 years, has helped nearly 700,000 people across the U.S. record meaningful conversations since the organization’s founding in 2003.

For the first time, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area opens for summer
Camping, hiking, disc golf and off-road vehicle rentals will be available at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area starting mid-June, marking the first time the ski area has ever opened for summer recreation.

Bigfork Fire Department asking for up to $15 million for new station and upgrades
Bigfork Fire Department is putting a 20-year bond for up to $15 million before voters this fall for a new fire station and upgrades to its current facilities, according to the department’s Public Information Officer Al Benitez.
Bigfork Water and Sewer manager to retire next month
Bigfork Water and Sewer District’s longtime manager Julie Spencer is retiring at the end of June. Her predecessor will be Assistant District Manager Tyler Hantz.

Bigfork senior Sam Ayers is tough to slow down
Sam Ayers has been an integral part of the Bigfork cross-country team since he moved to the school district in his freshman year. His positive attitude has helped him overcome obstacles, including bouncing back from surgery to correct his chest cavity.

Bigfork Fire Department seeks funding for new headquarters, staffing
The Bigfork Fire District Board of Trustees recently approved a bond initiative and mill levy to present to voters in a Sept. 9 special election that will address infrastructure and staffing deficiencies.

Bigfork High School students sweep National History Day competition
Eleven Bigfork High School juniors are headed to Washington D.C. after sweeping at the National History Day competition at the state level with their projects about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, the 1917 Butte Miners Strike and Marias Massacre, among others.

Crews clearing the Going-to-the-Sun Road battle fewer avalanches this year
Plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is no easy task, but a drop off in avalanches this spring has made the work a little easier.

Cabin and infrastructure upgrades come to Loon Lake 4-H Camp
Loon Lake 4-H Camp is a hidden gem to many, but manager Jill Kahanek wants to introduce the picturesque spot in Ferndale to others as they continue to renovate for their 4-H campers and summer guests.
Flathead Lake Biological Station adds second erosion control beach
A second dynamic erosion control beach has been established at Flathead Lake Biological Station on Yellow Bay to help prevent land from being washed away by waves.
Bigfork Band wins division in jazz competition and sees success at state
The Bigfork High School band is closing another successful year with wins at an Idaho jazz competition and students getting to go to the state music festival.

Lawsuit claims Lakeside sewer district didn't follow public participation rules
A lawsuit filed against the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District alleges the public was not given adequate notice before the board approved construction of a new wastewater treatment facility and service for a proposed resort development.

Photos from Flathead Nation students on display at Bigfork library
"What was cool about today is that the students hadn't seen this work [on display] before because only one of them traveled to the festival, so they were pretty excited to see it,” A VOICE Co-Director and founder David Spear said.

Bigfork library temporarily closes for move to new building
The Bigfork branch of Flathead County Library will be closed for a month while staff move into their new Bridge Street building.

New library wraps-up construction, but some work still lies ahead
“This location is going to show the valley what a 21st century library is like, I hope it gets people excited,” Communications and Outreach Librarian Lune Axelsen said.

Glacier crews grapple with deepest snow in more than a decade
Officials are primarily concerned with new snow hazards in the short-term or during big melting periods where water percolates through the snowpack, releasing larger and deeper avalanches.

65 years of show tunes and hard work at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse
Under the reins of Don and Jude Thomson, and their son Brach, the Bigfork Summer Playhouse has become one of the most notable small-town professional theater companies in the country, not missing a single season in its 65 years.

Flathead County Library trustees open search for a new logo to the public
Have an idea for the new Flathead County Library logo? Library board trustees are taking submissions and suggestions on designs leading up to their next board in April.

Construction on new Bigfork library makes strides toward summer opening
Monica Pastor used to walk herself down to storytime at the Bigfork library back when she was a kid running around the village in the 1980s.

ImagineIF Libraries returns to original Flathead County Libraries name, hires Dugan as new director
The county library system’s board of trustees voted Thursday to drop the ImagineIF Libraries brand and revert back a moniker last used a decade ago.

Community members take up zoning effort in Lakeside
Galvanized by a controversial development that is nearing completion despite deep community opposition — owing in part to a lack of regulations — Lakeside residents are attempting to zone a portion of the unincorporated town and surrounding residential areas.

Transportation commission approves plans to accommodate Lakeside coaster
The Montana Transportation Commission approved another step necessary for a controversial alpine coaster to open near Lakeside after a meeting that saw vocal opposition from residents.

Meet new Bigfork Eagle editor, Jeremy Weber
A familiar face to many Eagle readers will soon be exploring even more stories in the community. Beginning with this issue, Bigfork Eagle Sports Editor Jeremy Weber is taking over all editor duties at the newspaper in addition to continuing to report on local sports.

Kehoe's Agate Shop owner talks gems, jewels and family history
Every spring, Leslie Kehoe travels to eastern Montana to take in the green, rolling hills and do her favorite activity: birding.
Community news briefs
Community news briefs for the week of March 15, 2023.

Remembering Tina Lawler, a friend to all of Bigfork
You didn’t have to know Tina Lawler personally to feel like her friend. Working many different jobs through the years, it could be said she made her biggest impact as a clerk at Harvest Foods, where Bigforkians would go to great lengths to end up in her checkout line. When she died unexpectedly on Feb. 2, people who loved her came out of every corner of the community to express their grief.

Bigfork Brewfest brings 27 Montana breweries to downtown
It was sunshine and blue skies for attendees at the 14th annual Bigfork Brewfest this past weekend.

Dismantling of Bigfork’s ‘bridge to nowhere’ underway
After seven years of legal battles, Bigfork’s ‘bridge to nowhere’ is coming undone.
Community briefs
Information about the upcoming Brewfest, Stone Hill's permanent closure and changes to Woods Bay Dump operations.
Bigfork Art and Cultural Center Assistant Director wants to foster community connection
A new face at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center is bringing years of dance experience and community engagement to the organization— with lots of new programming to boot.

Newly resurrected Lakeside Community Council sees candidates file for May election
Eight candidates are running for seven open seats on an advisory council in Lakeside resurrected by popular demand in part because of a controversial alpine coaster development project launched over the summer.

Chef Earl of Stone Hill Kitchen + Bar gets nomination for James Beard award
Chef Earl James Reynolds of Stone Hill Kitchen + Bar in Bigfork has been nominated for a James Beard award— one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary industry.

Golden Triangle Brewing Co. ready to make new home in Bigfork
Golden Triangle Brewing Co. owners Brandon Roberts and Stacia Fuzesy say they are happy to be closer to family in the Flathead and are excited to work with local farmers to get the best quality ingredients for their craft beers.
Registration open for Bigfork Job Fair
The Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce is holding their second annual job fair with Bigfork High School on March 22.

SBG Bigfork raises over $17,000 for Tap Cancer Out tournament
Martial arts gym SBG Bigfork took home the Top Fundraising Team Award after traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona to compete in the Jan. 29 Tap Cancer Out tournament.
Starting in February, BACC offers dance classes, homeschool art program
The Bigfork Art and Cultural Center is gearing up for more community classes this month.

Experts say schools, students and parents need to join forces on bullying
This is the third in a three-part series examining the effects of bullying through the lens of students, parents and faculty at Bigfork High School.

Amid concerns about bullying, Bigfork administrators explain their process
This is the second article in a three-part series examining the effects of bullying through the lens of students, parents and faculty at Bigfork High School.