In brief

Libby Fine Arts Inc. meeting Nov. 12

Libby Fine Arts Inc. will hold a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Treasure Manor activities room from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. This will be our only meeting for November due to the Thanksgiving holiday. For info call Marilyn Irwin at 293-7091 or Laura McNair at 293-5186.

Montana gas prices fall slightly

Average retail gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 0.5 cent per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.32 per gallon yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 615 gas outlets in Montana. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.22 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. 

Including the change in gas prices in Montana during the past week, prices yesterday were 71.6 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 14.0 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 10.4 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 70.5 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago. 

FWP to acquire 76 acres

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) proposes to purchase approximately 76.7 acres of farmland and wetlands located along the north shore of Flathead Lake about 4.5 miles east of the community of Somers. Funding for the project would be provided by Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funding.

The primary purpose of the proposed land acquisition is to protect and manage this land to restore or improve natural riparian/wetland habitats, to continue annual crop production to benefit resident and migratory waterfowl, to improve and maintain habitat for other wildlife, and to provide opportunities for seasonal and compatible public recreation. Other benefits of this project include protecting ground water, surface water, and wetlands on or near Flathead Lake. This will help improve or maintain the high water quality of Flathead Lake for benefits of aquatic life and fish and wildlife habitat. 

FWP proposes to incorporate this parcel into FWP’s wildlife management area program and it would become part of the existing North Shore Wildlife Management Area (North Shore WMA). The Flathead Land Trust has been instrumental in initiation of this and several projects with FWP on the north shore of Flathead Lake. The proposed Management Plan is included as part of the draft environmental assessment (EA). Copies of the draft are available at the FWP office, 490 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell and at the Montana State Library, 1515 E. Sixth Avenue in Helena.

Council ordinance committee meeting

The City of Libby Ordinance Committee will meet at noon on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, in the City of Libby council chambers.

The committee will discuss section 2.48.010, regarding council meetings and  the proposed fee for public records.

Several other items are listed as possible agenda items, should the city attorney have them ready. Those items include a contract for the American Legion baseball field (draft), a review of chapter 5.16, a modification to open container ordinance, design and construction standards (draft), adopt Montana Public Works Standards and a fee for cable television franchises. The committee has also reserved time to hear from the public.

EnergyShare now  taking assistance applications

Energy Share of Montana is accepting applications for emergency heating assistance at Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM) which serves residents of Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties. CAPNM can be contacted at 1-800-344-5979. 

Energy Share is a private nonprofit organization that was established in 1983 to help Montanans who are facing financial difficulties which may result in loss of heat or lights in their home due to circumstances beyond their control.  A local volunteer Energy Share Committee works with CAPNM to review the applications.  Energy Share helps people no matter what their heat source, but the assistance is usually only once every ten years or so because the organization is truly a source of emergency funds, intended to complement government assistance programs but not replace them.

Sawtooth and Klatawa fire updates from the Forest Service

With the significant moisture and cooler temperatures experienced on the Forest last week, fire officials have decided to lift the closure orders around the Sawtooth and Klatawa fires as of Thursday, November 5, 2015.

There are still trail closures in effect in both fire areas.

In the vicinity of the Sawtooth Fire, Ross Creek Trail # 142 and South Fork Ross Creek Cedars Trail # 321 are still closed. In the vicinity of the Klatawa Fire, Granite Lake Trail #136 is closed to public use and travel. These trails are closed to all public use and travel due to conditions from recent fire activity.

It is important to remember that these fires will likely burn and emit some smoke until they receive more rain or snow. Forest officials would like to remind forest visitors to be careful in the fire areas and watch out for any hazards within the fire perimeter.