Columns
Searching for opinion based articles? Below we'll share opinion news articles on a wide variety of topics.
Fish management failures
Last week I drove to my cabin in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, planning to do some spring cabin chores and squeeze …
Of blooms and building booms
I appreciate these semiwild oases. Given how difficult it is to manage larger, popular spaces for the public good, it is these smaller parcels that may mean the most, especially for locals.
Writers dig into ways of China
He spoke flawless Mandarin. I felt a mix of jealousy and awe over his perfect tones, those quirks of pronunciation that give each Chinese word five different meanings.
Handguns and bear spray
Wow, it’s springtime in the Flathead. Last weekend was a great spring weekend with daytime highs in the 70s and 80s, plus bright sunny skies.
Make every birthday phenomenal
Success needs savoring. Milestones mean taking stock. We recently partied to mark the 130-year anniversary of Central School and the 25-year anniversary of its tenant, the Northwest Montana History Museum.
Farm life
I write this column from my farm in eastern Montana near Malta. This is my first trip of the year to my farm.
Kick out rote, kick up the roam
“Death Cafe”— it’s not your average cuppa. Intrigued, I headed to Whitefish on a recent spring afternoon to spend time in a coffee shop with 16 others discussing the end, our ends.
Spring firewood gathering
Spring is here in the Flathead with its ever-expanding variety of outdoor activities. Last weekend was just too nice to stay indoors, so I had to do a little hiking just to get out and soak up some spring sunshine.
Burning questions answered
On my recent drives along U.S. 93, I had seen the plumes. Instead of cringing that it was wildfire, I’d smile because it meant someone was cleaning up a pile — a burn pile, that is, and a chore that many yearn to t…
Big bird saves the day
When we walked in earlier to the Lone Pine State Park visitors’ center, AmeriCorps program specialist Eryn O’Brien greeted us with a hearty, “Are you guys big birders?” She took our “no” in stride, and provided the…
2024 fish regs and non-native species
Wasn’t last weekend wonderful? With temperatures in the 50s, sunshine and no wind, I just had to dig out my dusty lawn chair, walk to the back yard, sit my butt down and soak up the glorious heat and sun. If this w…
Fresh ears for young writers
It’s all good. I practically skipped with glee after these volunteer gigs, and the rejuvenating effects lasted for hours — just for bringing fresh ears to new writers.
2024 Montana hunting regulations
The much-awaited 2024 deer, elk and antelope hunting regulations are out for public review and implementation. This is one of Montana’s most popular publications, with 270,000 copies printed each year.
Cupid’s got nothing on Marion
They had me at “Anti-Valentine’s Day” in the event promo. I called my adventure buddy, and we headed to Marion.
Behind the open mic
Now a weekly event, the all-comers confab traces its roots to about six years ago, when emcee-organizer Colton Christensen worked at a Whitefish restaurant.