I am sure that by now most North Forkers have heard the good news. The Northern Lights Café and Saloon have been granted a full liquor license. It has been a long struggle. The previous owner of the Northern Lights lost the license and the new operators, Reiswigs and O'Haras, had to start over at square one.

First hurdle was the local Land Use Advisory Committee. Dozens of locals supported the application and was only one couple who voiced opposition. The LUAC voted unanimously to grant the license and the process moved to the county level, with all of the letters of support as well as the one in opposition forwarded to County officials.

More letters were sent to the county and again there was overwhelming support from the community and only one voice in opposition. The results were the same. The Flathead County Board voted unanimously to grant the license. If there had been no opposition the license would have been granted. Since there was one couple in opposition another hearing had to be held. This time at the state level in Helena. Same results and the license was finally granted.

The problem I have is the length of the process. With legal notice requirements and the time for each board to consider everything before reaching a decision it has taken nearly a year for the Northern Lights to be re-licensed. As a result they lost the entire 2010 summer season. All of this with only one opponent who just happens to own the only other liquor license on the North Fork. There is something wrong with this process!

In the end I suspect the Northern Lights will be the premier North Fork watering hole and eating place. The new owners have cleaned, renovated and retained the backcountry ambience with good food, service with a smile and involvement in the community.

In addition, Stuart and Flannery have added to the "Polebridge appeal" with the operation of the Polebridge Mercantile. They have continued the terrific bakery, installed an efficient electrical system (solar) and this winter are further improving the Merc itself.

They have installed the walls, redone the upstairs, and are installing new thermopane windows that will look exactly like the old single pane windows. They are even preserving some of the original wallpaper and further the improvements with a big smile and a friendly greeting. Flannery is as good at refinishing an antique door as she is at baking turnovers. They will reopen on May 1 and I assume the Northern Lights will open soon also. I can't wait!