Columbia Falls probable move a ‘bright spot’
Libraries Left in Limbo
While opportunities for new libraries in Kalispell and Bigfork were recently rejected, a possible new uptown location in Columbia Falls is a bright spot in what has been an otherwise tumultuous few months for the county library system.
[read more]Truckers: It Will Only Make Tough Times Worse
Fuel Spill Prompts Truck Traffic Scrutiny
A tractor-trailer travels north on MT Highway 35 toward Woods Bay along Flathead Lake. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
Residents of the five homes along Montana Highway 35 forced to evacuate after an April 2 fuel spill recently received a bit of good news: It could be a matter of months – not years as was initially thought – before these families can return home.
“Hopefully, within a few weeks we can start getting these folks back in,” said Carey Cooley, spokeswoman for Lake County’s office of emergency management.
Fuel Spill
Comment Planned for Montana 35 Truck Traffic
POLSON – The director of the state Department of Transportation said Wednesday he hopes to gather public comment about truck traffic on Montana 35, where a tanker truck crashed and spilled almost 6,400 gallons of gasoline earlier this month.
Jim Lynch said that through public comment, the DOT can make recommendations to the Federal Highway Administration.
Swan River Road to get Another Piece of Path
A Longer Bigfork Bike Route
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Property easements along Swan River Road by Sherry O'Hearn, and William and Debra Doney will allow for a bike path on the east side of the fence to begin being built this spring. - Katrin Frye for the Beacon |
Donations of money and land to use has taken Bigfork steps forward toward a several mile goal. Bigfork’s Rotary Club plans to get to work on a 2.75 mile addition to the Swan River Road bike path this spring.
Property owners William and Debra Doney, the late Jack and Ruth White and Sherry O’Hearn donated easements along their property lines.
“I’ve always believed that if everyone just does a little bit it makes a much more cohesive and friendly village,” says O’Hearn. Flathead County gave permission for construction within the 60-foot right-of-way where easements will not be donated.
Cherry Crop
Montana Cherry Blossoms Later Than in 2007
Flathead Lake cherry growers say their trees are likely to blossom in mid-May, a couple of weeks later than in 2008. This year's lower temperatures have an effect on the growing cycle.
Flathead Lake Cherry Growers Inc. says a strong crop is expected.
14th Annual Taste of Bigfork Biggest Ever
Tasting Bigfork
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Bride and Groom apples from first-time Taste of Bigfork participant Joy Page of The Apple Trolley. In the background Bigfork singer/songwriter Jae Hatt serenades tasters. - Katrin Frye for the Beacon |
The sun chose an opportune moment to shine this past weekend as Bigfork filled up with restaurateurs and taste testers.
“It was a beautiful day,” says Gretchen Gates with the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, “we really lucked out this year.”
Sunday marked the 14th annual Taste of Bigfork and the biggest year so far.
Burn permits available online, at local agency offices
Burning Permits Required
Open burning in Flathead County will require a burning permit starting Thurs., May 1.
Burning permits are available online at http://www.firesafekalispell.com or at one of the following offices: Flathead City-County Health Department, Montana DNRC burn permit office, and Bigfork Rural Fire District.
Commissioners vote 2-1 to kill subdivision proposal
Commissioners Deny North Shore Ranch
Flathead County Commissioners voted 2-1 Wednesday morning to deny the North Shore Ranch subdivision.
Commissioners Joe Brenneman and Gary Hall voted against preliminary plat approval for the project, citing concerns with flooding, ground stability during seismic events and affects on wildlife. Commissioner Dale Lauman voted to approve the development.
Related: Planning Board Approves North Shore Subdivision
Related: Tug of War Over the North Shore
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