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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ImagineIF hires security guard in response to escalating incidents
The ImagineIF Board of Trustees on Monday approved the hiring of a security guard to monitor the Kalispell library after escalating incident reports.
Bullying left students hurt, demoralized and looking for a way out
This is the first in a three-part series examining the effects of bullying through the lens of students, parents and faculty at Bigfork High School.
Flathead Land Trust announces milestones for Harrell Forest Project
The Flathead Land Trust announced Tuesday their official ownership of the Harrell Forest, a 238-acre parcel of land they have been working to protect and develop into a recreation area.
Bigfork School Board approves purchase of electric bus
Bigfork Schools are taking advantage of a grant which aims to help districts move towards clean energy buses.
Bigfork Fire looks toward a new year after a busy 2022
In 2023, Bigfork Fire will continue making upgrades at their current facility while looking towards how to fund a future building on their property near Chapman Hill Rd. off of MT 35.
Chimney fire near Bigfork torches part of house
Residents of a home on Montana 35 are safe after a Monday night chimney fire left much of their house torched.
PHOTOS: A look back at the first edition of the Bigfork Eagle
The first edition of the Bigfork Eagle was published on Dec. 15, 1976. The paper had not yet been named, but readers wrote in their suggestions on a cut out that was included at the bottom of the front page. After a couple of editions, the name "Bigfork Eagle" was officially chosen.
State officials highlight possible traffic solution for alpine coaster project
Montana Department of Transportation officials are selecting a shared use concept using agency land as a possible way to secure a highway approach permit for developers erecting an alpine coaster near Lakeside.
Kalispell Kreamery’s Mary Tuck recounts her journey back to the family farm
The cows at Kalispell Kreamery do not worry about missing a milking. Dairy co-owner Mary Tuck said in the many decades that her family has run the farm, almost nothing has stopped them from milking the cows when needed — even when every single one of them had the flu.
Bigfork receives $650,000 for affordable senior housing
The Montana Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that Bigfork will be among four communities in the state to receive funds for affordable housing.
Former KGEZ host John Stokes found dead at home after welfare check
Former right-wing radio host John Stokes, 71, was found dead in his home near Ferndale on Dec. 28 after neighbors noticed mail piling up and asked for a welfare check.
Bigfork Dance owner Leigh Ann O’Neill’s lifelong passion for teaching movement
Bigfork Dance owner Leigh Ann O’Neill has been dancing as long as she can remember.
Low income developments in the Flathead aim to ease housing squeeze
Finding housing in the Flathead Valley has become an uphill battle for many, but amidst the seemingly never ending supply of luxury homes, a few developers and nonprofits are working to meet demand at all income levels with several major projects slated for completion in 2023 and 2024.
Bigfork Food Bank sees uptick in use this year, wants to reach even more people
Bigfork Food Bank Executive Director Kathy Kaestner said she lies awake at night and thinks of the different ways they can reach all of the people in the community who need their services.
Base Camp Bigfork mushes through 15 years of fun
Base Camp Bigfork offers an experience few can get in the lower 48. When owners Mark and Sam Schurke started their dog sled tours 15 years ago, they had no idea if people would be interested in it enough for it to be successful.
BPCT members talk 'Rudolph' and share their love of performing
Dozens of local kids take part in the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater’s annual Christmas show each year. This year, they are taking on “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” based on the animated classic.
Gov. Gianforte donates a quarter of his annual salary to Child Bridge
Governor Greg Gianforte has donated a quarter of his annual salary to Child Bridge, a Bigfork nonprofit advocating children who have suffered abuse and neglect from foster and adoptive families.
MDT and alpine coaster developers seek traffic mitigation options for approach permit
Amid strident opposition from nearby residents, the Montana Department of Transportation is working with developers of an alpine coaster in the Lakeside area to find traffic mitigation solutions in anticipation of constructing the project on a busy U.S. 93.
BPCT presents "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" this weekend
The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater invites everyone to come watch their production of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" this weekend, a family favorite brought to life on stage.
Swan Lake standoff ends in arrest
Flathead County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man near Swan Lake after a two hour standoff on Wednesday.
Bigfork outdoor recreation survey available through Dec. 31
The Bigfork Outdoor Recreation Alliance will use comments from their community input survey to formulate their "Recreation Connection Action Plan," which is expected to shape how
Photographer Bruce Miller showcases work in upcoming BACC exhibit
Bruce Miller grew up in Montana with a love of photography, now he travels the world in search of people and places that challenge the imagination and break preconceptions. Miller has been published internationally, and now a collection of his work will be displayed at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center starting Dec. 15.
Flathead Lake Brewing Co. closes due to flooding
Flathead Lake Brewing Co. announced Thursday they will be closed for an indeterminate amount of time after a pipe broke and flooded a large portion of the building.
Bigfork Elementary sees high scores for fall assessment
Bigfork Elementary School recently completed their fall assessment and results show that most students are doing well in math and reading, not requiring any intervention assistance from staff.
Bigfork Outdoor Recreation Alliance gathers public input for action plan
The Bigfork Outdoor Recreation Alliance has been reaching out for public input during the month of November to ask community members what they would like to see when it comes to the future of recreation opportunities in and around Bigfork.
Echo Lake residents lament three-week CenturyLink outage following winter storm
A multi week telecommunications blackout has proven the last straw with CenturyLink for more than a few residents of the Echo Lake area, who say the company has underserved them for years.
Passing the torch at the Pocketstone Cafe
Dave Vale took a chance on opening a restaurant in downtown Bigfork in 2010, in partnership with his wife Carolyn and their friend Karie Stidham. More than a decade later, Vale said it’s time to pass the torch to another couple who carry the same excitement and enthusiasm for the cafe that they had when they first opened it.
Bigfork Eagle founder William “Bill” Cenis dies
A founder of the Bigfork Eagle, William “Bill” Cenis died in Helena on Nov. 10. He was 82 years old.
"Read Between the Wines" raises funds for a new Bigfork library
The ImagineIF Foundation is close to reaching their $1.2 million goal for beginning construction on the new Bigfork library.