I’m going to ask you to do something many readers may find unpleasant. Imagine, for a moment, you are an elected official in the Montana State Legislature. You’ve got an American flag tie or a pastel-colored pantsuit, and a paperweight of a donkey or an elephant on your desk. You spend every few years campaigning […]

For an easy walk, jog or ride, visit the Swan River Nature Trail in Bigfork. The gated 2-mile gravel road is well maintained and easy to traverse. One mile of the trail winds its way along the Swan River’s “Wild Mile,” overlooking stunning scenery and a place to view kayakers. The trail continues for another […]

COLUMBIA FALLS (AP) – A Columbia Falls woman died after two cars collided and one burst into flames after it swerved to avoid a pickup making a U-turn on U.S. Highway 2 south of here. Sara June Carter, 22, of Columbia Falls, was pronounced dead at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after the Thursday night crash, […]

The clang of the mule’s bell sounds constantly in the pasture at Schafer Ranger Station. Clothes hang to dry on the line, and steaks sizzle on a wood-fired grill. It’s an idyllic place, set deep in the Great Bear Wilderness more than 30 miles from the nearest road. There is no electricity and most power […]

The owner of a sports shop in Lake Tahoe, Calif., saw something he had to have: a T-shirt, its intricate screen print unique compared to his store’s current stock. This distinctive design wasn’t from New York or Los Angeles. It was from Montana. Machi Block was a sophomore at Flathead High School when he opted […]

CFHS’ Jazz Camp finished up at noon today, after their annual Thursday night concert and BBQ at the high school. Musicians from Columbia Falls and Whitefish high schools and junior high schools got together to learn jazz theory, improvisation and of course, to jam with one another. Jazz Camp is held every July by CFHS […]

Nucleus Avenue in C-Falls was chip sealed by contractors for the state today, starting the ever-present “prep-for-winter” process. C-Falls did some timely sewer repairs on Nucleus a few weeks ago, taking advantage of the fact that the state was going to come through and seal the road this week.

Congress recently failed to secure our border with Mexico. Our state lawmakers failed to complete their job in the 90 days allowed them. As our nation celebrates its 231st birthday, American politics are paralyzed by partisanship. Historically, government has governed better, and a beautiful example of it occurred right here in Montana. We just observed […]

Before their informal tournament in the Stillwater State Forest, a dozen disc golfers gathered among the massive pines to discuss their sport – and the potential impact on it of a logging project proposed by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. “Depending on what trees are removed here, the course would be worthless,” said […]

When you can fry bacon on your forehead in triple-digit heat, it’s time to throw your body in Whitefish Lake’s 65-degree July water. Despite 16.3 miles of shoreline, most of the waterfront is private. However, the public can swim at three different beaches on the 3,315-acred lake—Whitefish Lake State Park, Les Mason Park, and City […]

HELENA (AP) – Brushing off criticism from a fellow Republican, U.S. Senate candidate Michael Lange says he hopes eventually to convert state Sen. John Brueggeman, R-Polson, into a supporter. Lange, a state representative from Billings, was responding to harsh comments by Brueggeman, who said Tuesday he will vote for Democratic U.S. Sen. Max Baucus in […]

I’ve just discovered the Tally Lake Ranger District and I’ve been going on long (for me) solo mountain bike rides in recent weekends. The rides provide me the mental clarity of a visit to the psychiatrist, gym and church in one outing. But an element of preparation for these rides unnerves me. A headlamp, whistle, […]

It appears as though Polson School District has become the latest victim in a trend of exclusionary decision-making that has quietly crept through the school boards of Montana. Shrouded in a dark veil of benevolence, and touted as following policy and Montana law, these oligarchic actions are, at their essence, contrary to participatory democracy. A […]

It seems fitting that a team named “Bound for Glory” should win first place. But a sailing crew needs more than a good name to win a district championship, especially when “Maniac” is hot on its tail. Twelve teams participated in the three-day J/24 District 19 Sailing Championships held on Flathead Lake earlier this month. […]

In a matter of weeks, Red’s Wines and Blues owner Bill Goodman shut down the popular restaurant, announced he was selling it and then reopened it with a new look. Now he has sold it. Earlier this month he agreed to a contract with a purchasing group led by Brian Scott, who is also part […]