GOP strategy to help the housing crisis is to increase homeowner property taxes

Across western Montana, people are being squeezed out of their homes and communities by rising prices.

So now what? Here are a few suggestions

Following each election for Congress the common question is usually, “So now what?” I faced that same question, as did my elected colleagues in the U.S House of Representative from the late 1970s to 1997.

Flathead Valley has about 500 nonprofits, expert says

Nonprofit organizations are a large part of the community in Columbia Falls and the Flathead Valley.

Krueger files for re-election

Flathead County District 3 Commissioner Gary Krueger has filed for re-election. He’s the only member of the three-member commission whose term expires at this year.

Support Montana food banks in final Farm Bill

Bigfork's Epperly on the mend after javelin accident

Anders Epperly, a senior at Bigfork High School, is resting comfortably at Kalispell Regional Medical Center following an accident during track practice at the school on Thursday.

Inspired by FVCC graduates and their bright future

Flathead Valley Community College will hold its 51st commencement ceremony at our Kalispell campus on the evening of Friday, May 17. We will recognize and celebrate the achievements of 363 dedicated students earning 341 associate’s degrees and 43 certificates.

Harvest 2014: A bounty of rewards and challenges

Harvest season is upon us, bringing with it that perfect blend of sunshine, crisp air and golden fields. While it is a farmer’s nature, it is harder for many of us to complain about the weather we have enjoyed this summer.

Health care: An historic challenge

We Americans were once the great adventurers. Exploring the landscape of public policy, we became the world's most innovative people. The quintessential challenge to that once great tradition of boldness is the reform of health care.

Flint party

There is a Boy Scout retirement party for Fred Flint, Friday, Aug. 25 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Marantette Park. Troop 1941 will honor Scoutmaster Fred Flint for his 18 years of outstanding service and commitment to our boys and the community. We would like to invite every one in the community to join us in this celebration. Please RSVP with the number of people in your party to 892-3026 or 892-2930 or 892-7490.

Local businesses hold roundtable meeting

PLAINS – Members of the Plains business community attended a roundtable discussion emphasizing Telecommuting and the prospects of bringing high-paying jobs to Montana last week.

Blessed to be Montanans

Drivers learn very early on that we put the car into D to move forward and R to go in reverse. It's a simple driving maneuver, but one that aptly describes our current economic situation. We need to move forward as better days are ahead. Don't let anyone fool you into believing that Montana cannot out perform the rest of the nation.

Comprehensive immigration reform is pro-growth and pro-agriculture

Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate passed a commonsense immigration reform measure in a strongly bipartisan fashion. This was an important step in the right direction — especially for producers, farm workers and rural communities.

Will fight to stop federal land giveaway

What if I told you there was a plan to take away your freedom to access Montana’s most cherished outdoor spaces and give you a big tax hike on top of it. Sounds like a pretty bad deal. Yet, that’s exactly what Congress and others are up to. Think I’m kidding?

Legislature should expand health insurance

One of the most important issues facing the 2013 Montana Legislature is whether to take advantage of the opportunity to expand health insurance coverage to low-income Montanans who fall in the gap between those eligible for Medicaid and those who typically can afford private insurance. The administration and board of directors of North Valley Hospital support such an expansion for a variety of reasons.

Lobbying group claims Zinke leaning toward privatizing Park camps

A Whitefish-based lobbying group is claiming that Sec. of Interior Ryan Zinke wants to privatize campgrounds in national parks.

Hospital receives donation toward mammography machine

North Valley Hospital has received a sizable donation toward its effort to improve the accuracy of breast screenings at the hospital.

Satterlee to lead hospital foundation

Alan Satterlee is the new executive director of the North Valley Hospital Foundation.

Health care: An historic challenge

We Americans were once the great adventurers. Exploring the landscape of public policy, we became the world's most innovative people. The quintessential challenge to that once great tradition of boldness is the reform of health care.

There are better ways for health care

Editor,