http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/ The Flathead Beacon is devoted to delivering thought-provoking news and commentary to the greater Flathead Valley. Printed every week in tabloid form and updated daily at flatheadbeacon.com, the Beacon encourages its readers to participate in discussions about their valley. en webmaster@flatheadbeacon.com Copyright 2008 Mon, 12 May 2008 20:09:00 MDT Mon, 12 May 2008 20:09:00 MDT 1055670http://www.feedburner.com Keriann Lynch http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/285729661/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/libraries_left_in_limbo/3390/ Front PageFeaturePoliticsBigforkColumbia FallsKalispell Wed, 07 May 2008 18:21:00 MDT 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. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/libraries_left_in_limbo/3390/ Dan Testa http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/285343173/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/fuel_spill_prompts_truck_traffic_scrutiny/3392/ Front PageFeaturePoliticsBusinessBigfork Wed, 07 May 2008 06:30:01 MDT 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. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/fuel_spill_prompts_truck_traffic_scrutiny/3392/ Associated Press http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/281609977/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/comment_planned_for_montana_35_truck_traffic/3335/ PoliticsBigfork Thu, 01 May 2008 08:50:00 MDT 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. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/comment_planned_for_montana_35_truck_traffic/3335/ Katrin Frye http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/281609978/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/a_bigfork_bike_route/3326/ Bigfork Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:50:00 MDT 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. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/a_bigfork_bike_route/3326/ Associated Press http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/280930471/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/montana_cherry_blossoms_later_than_in_2007/3309/ BusinessBigfork Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:48:00 MDT 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. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/montana_cherry_blossoms_later_than_in_2007/3309/ Katrin Frye http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/280930472/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/tasting_bigfork/3307/ Bigfork Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:25:00 MDT 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. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/tasting_bigfork/3307/ Keriann Lynch http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/280289635/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/burning_permits_required/3300/ BigforkColumbia FallsKalispellWhitefish Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:40:00 MDT 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. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/burning_permits_required/3300/ Keriann Lynch http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/276548068/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/commissioners_deny_north_shore_ranch/3234/ Front PageFeaturePoliticsBigfork Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:51:00 MDT 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 http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/commissioners_deny_north_shore_ranch/3234/ Katrin Frye http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/276548069/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/bigfork_stormwater_meeting_tonight/3231/ Front PagePoliticsBigfork Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:31:00 MDT The Bigfork community has a chance to hear and comment on the stormwater drainage system tonight. At 7 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church on upper Electric Avenue an engineering firm will present its report. Morrison-Maierle Inc. will point out the problems it identified in the system, issue recommendations for upgrades, and outline the potential cost. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/bigfork_stormwater_meeting_tonight/3231/ Keriann Lynch http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bigfork/~3/276330341/ http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/proposed_land_sale_draws_fierce_opposition/3213/ Front PageFeaturePoliticsBigfork Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:20:01 MDT BIGFORK – The proposed sale of a parcel of school trust land near Woods Bay drew heated opposition from neighboring landowners and local residents at a public meeting here last week. The Montana Department of Natural Resources is considering selling the 440 acres as part of the state’s Land Banking program – legislation which is aimed at increasing revenue for state schools and improving public recreation access. http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/proposed_land_sale_draws_fierce_opposition/3213/