1989 was the 100th anniversary of Montana’s statehood. Teachers were instructing students about the history and importance of statehood and the reasons for the centennial celebrations. One teacher and her students developed what turned out to be the most interesting and far-reaching of all centennial projects. A Helena teacher, Mrs. Sandy Heffelfinger, and students at […]

Even when business is going well, it’s not unusual for a business owner to take a hard look at their payroll. When they pass you in the hall, it’s entirely natural for them to wonder to themselves… “Is that person pulling their weight?” Outside of that situation, you should know if your staff members are […]

Political figures must set aside differences, come together, and focus on issues that matter to our kids’ future. Montanans deserve leadership that gets along. Gov. Brian Schweitzer worked well with Republicans during his eight years serving Montana. During a prime-time slot and at the last night of the Democratic National Convention, Schweitzer said, “We’ve had […]

The idea for a University Center at Flathead Valley Community College should be vigorously pursued. Some four-year degrees are already offered at the school, but working with the state’s universities to set up satellite campuses on Kalispell’s existing one could have a huge impact on this area. The school announced recently that its board of […]

By John Fuller The news that unemployment has been stuck at over 8 percent and GDP at less than 2 percent for the last four years brings up the question of what is the proper solution to our problem of over 24 million people without jobs and millions more underemployed. The answer is simple: create […]

Choosing a president is not a personality contest. The ability to mesmerize voters with eloquent oratory catering to special interest groups is not the criterion for leading our nation. Many examples could be given of the following points if space permitted. President Barack Obama’s administration has eroded our free enterprise system to the extent that […]

A recent letter from a Kalispell resident provided definitions of “treason” and “traitor” to bolster her claim that, as she put it, “our government has been infiltrated openly with socialists, communists, Marxists and the Muslim Brotherhood.” She also asked readers whether they want to “live under the rule of the United Nations or the Constitution.” […]

Is the Flathead destined to become the LOST Best Place? It’s a serious question. Ask tourists, new businesses, and most residents and they will tell you they came to the Flathead because it truly is one of the Last Best Places in the country. Ask economic development specialists and they will tell you that the […]

Last week, we discussed a big reason why clients won’t take your advice. Reader David commented about a fairly common situation: Interesting concept but whenever I have tried to apply it (which has been many times before reading this post) I find the client still wont listen and will ignore my advice. This leaves me […]

August 28th’s smoky red midnight moon sure was impressive. With the mountains hidden, we had about 6 to 10 miles of visibility, with Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s (MDEQ) station at Flathead Electric peaked at a Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) level of 59 at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27. In terms of health, 100 micrograms […]

That’s what’s being discussed among city leaders as the Core Revitalization Plan is passed around. And, for good reason, it has provoked some excitement from residents who have seen it. To be sure, there are some who believe downtown Kalispell is just fine the way it is. I’m not one of them. I love the […]

By John Fuller As the 2012 presidential campaign reaches full frenzy, the Democrats have decided that an effective campaign tactic is to accuse the Republicans of conducting a “war on women” when Republicans resist governmental trampling of religious values. Republicans are condemned for being “extreme” for voicing moral values that reflect time-honored Christian views. Ever […]

I echo the sentiment of your article, “Kalispell Icon at a Crossroads” (Sept. 5 Beacon). Having grown up in the valley with seven generations of family here, I take a certain amount of responsibility in seeing my community flourish and progress, while valuing the good history that is here. I really want our valley to […]

Here is a thought for all the President Barack Obama haters: When the economy went into the dumpster in 2008 (Republican president), 90 percent of the country’s top economist stated that it would take 10 years to recover. So what have we seen? The stock market is nearly back to its previous high; corporate profits […]

Joe Mazurek was a wise and insightful peacemaker. His passing was not unexpected, but his legacy for fairness and gentle persuasion will live on in the memory of all those who had the good fortune to work with him in the political process of our state. Jim McGarvey was a brave and gallant fighter. He […]