KALISPELL – A Bigfork man, who already faces 110 years in federal prison for sex crimes, has pleaded guilty to molesting two young sisters in Flathead County.
Ralph Fox pleaded guilty this week to felony sexual assault and failure to register as a sex offender. He also pleaded guilty, through an Alford plea, to a second count of felony sexual assault. That means the defendant does not admit guilt, but does acknowledge enough evidence exists to convict him.
Dispatches
An Ideal Fourth for Every Taste
Sailing on Flathead Lake. Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
Some Fourth of July activities are obvious: The classic celebrations like fireworks, community fairs and parades are in abundance in almost every American town, including the Flathead (Find a full listing of these on our “Events” page).
But there are less traditional, and uniquely local, ways to celebrate the Fourth as well. In this section, we aim to highlight some Flathead excursions that we think hold promise for an especially memorable day – whether you’re looking for the valley’s best party spot or family-friendly activities.
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But there are less traditional, and uniquely local, ways to celebrate the Fourth as well. In this section, we aim to highlight some Flathead excursions that we think hold promise for an especially memorable day – whether you’re looking for the valley’s best party spot or family-friendly activities.
Basketball Coach
Bigfork Names Boys’ Basketball Coach
BIGFORK – The Bigfork boys' basketball team has a new coach for the third time in as many seasons.
Paul LaMott will direct the Vikings' program as the school moves from Class A to Class B competition due to enrollment declines.
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Paul LaMott will direct the Vikings' program as the school moves from Class A to Class B competition due to enrollment declines.
FWP meeting focuses on prevention of invasive species
Clean Lakes Start With Clean Boats
A sign posted near the Somers boat ramp warns boaters about the dangers of zebra mussels. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
State officials don’t want zebra or quagga mussels in Montana, so they’re taking preemptive action now. They don’t want Eurasian Watermilfoil either, but since it’s already here, they’re trying to make sure the unwanted foliage doesn’t spread.
Much of their effort depends on the public. The message is: Keep your boats clean, follow state laws and your favorite waters have a better chance of staying clean too.
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Much of their effort depends on the public. The message is: Keep your boats clean, follow state laws and your favorite waters have a better chance of staying clean too.
Setting Up a Tech Firm in a Remote Location
Bringing Technology to the Flathead, One Entrepreneur at a Time
Illustration by Stephen Templeton/Flathead Beacon
There’s technology rising up in these woods. With the global connection powers of the Internet, entrepreneurs such as Web development gurus are discovering that close proximity to a metropolitan center is no longer a prerequisite to run their businesses. They can set up shop in paradise without missing a beat.
It helps that the Flathead Valley has a quality infrastructure system, including a DSL circuit that is both extensive and modern. This serves as a welcoming sign for techies who are considering the Montana lifestyle. Lyle Phillips, president and chief executive officer for Montana West Economic Development, describes it this way: “For being in the sticks, we really do have good access to those needed utilities.”
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It helps that the Flathead Valley has a quality infrastructure system, including a DSL circuit that is both extensive and modern. This serves as a welcoming sign for techies who are considering the Montana lifestyle. Lyle Phillips, president and chief executive officer for Montana West Economic Development, describes it this way: “For being in the sticks, we really do have good access to those needed utilities.”
BigforkWEB builds sites and serves the community
Beating the Recession by Giving Back
Jana Primmer works in her office at BigforkWEB Development. Primmer is the project manager for the growing Bigfork company. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
BIGFORK – In 2003, Mike Callaghan walked into the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce and set the tone for his start-up Web development company.
Now a thriving business with seven employees and more than 350 clients, BigforkWEB Development owes some of its early success to Callaghan’s dedication to community involvement.
“I think it’s important to give back – this company’s been very fortunate,” he said.
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Now a thriving business with seven employees and more than 350 clients, BigforkWEB Development owes some of its early success to Callaghan’s dedication to community involvement.
“I think it’s important to give back – this company’s been very fortunate,” he said.
If alternative energy gains a foothold in the valley, it will start with small businesses
Tapping Clean Power
Ben Walters, right, helps Gary Neff, left, and one of his sons, Clayton Neff, secure two canisters in the front of a Chevrolet at H2 Pure Power in Kalispell. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
It all started with rising fuel prices, curiosity and a few mason jars. For two years, Carl Neff researched ways to increase the gas mileage in his 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. When the makeshift hydrogen fuel cell made from old glass jars failed, Neff turned to H2 Pure Power’s hydrogen canisters. Now, along with his father Gary and brother Clayton, Neff plans to start a family-owned and operated business installing the generators in cars and trucks in the Flathead Valley.
“I’ve always been interested in alternative energy sources,” Neff said while working alongside his father and brother last week to install their first canister at H2 Pure Power’s workshop in south Kalispell. “Not only will it help provide jobs for the community, but no matter what it affects everybody.”
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“I’ve always been interested in alternative energy sources,” Neff said while working alongside his father and brother last week to install their first canister at H2 Pure Power’s workshop in south Kalispell. “Not only will it help provide jobs for the community, but no matter what it affects everybody.”
Despite initial lawmaker opposition, program is popular in the valley
Flathead County Leads the State in CHIP Enrollment
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With a 6-year-old and a 2-week-old infant, Jolene Ramos of Kila has plenty of worries. But the cost of medical care isn’t one of them. Both of her children are fully covered under Montana’s Children’s Health Insurance Plan, or CHIP.
Ramos, who used to work in sales but is now unemployed, enrolled her daughter in the program two years ago because she and her husband made too much money to qualify her child for Medicaid.
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Ramos, who used to work in sales but is now unemployed, enrolled her daughter in the program two years ago because she and her husband made too much money to qualify her child for Medicaid.
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