Ellington

Labor Day worst holiday for fatal crashes

Statistically there are nearly twice as many fatalities in vehicle crashes Labor Day weekend than any other holiday period, according to the Montana Highway Patrol’s 2010 annual report.

James Valov

James "Jim" Valov, 60, of Columbia Falls, died unexpectedly Aug. 8, 2011, in Seattle, Wash.

William Moser

William "Bill" Moser, 67, passed away at his home in Martin City on Aug. 24, 2011. He was born in Norristown, Pa., on Oct. 26, 1943, the son of Jacob Daniel Moser II and Cecelia Agnes (Belcoski) Moser. 

James Harrell

James Scott Allen "Scooter" Harrell, 46, of Columbia Falls, passed away suddenly Aug. 25, 2011, in Minot, S.D.

Mary Herman

Mary Kathryn (Polensky) Herman, 69, of Columbia Falls, died Aug. 26, 2011, at Brendan House, in Kalispell.

Donald Blair

Donald A. Blair passed from this life into eternity at his home near Columbia Falls on Aug. 23, 2011, following a brief but heroic surrender to cancer.

Body of missing hiker found

Search personnel found the body of Glacier Park hiker Jacob “Jake” Rigby Sept. 2.  The body was located on the mountain known as “8888” in the southern end of the park.  An initial investigation indicates that Rigby may have fallen approximately 800 feet on the north side of the extremely steep mountain.  

Reduced-price school lunch policy

Bulldog soccer starts 1-1

Girls soccer rolls past Stevensville

Search continues in Park for missing hiker

The search for a missing seasonal employee at Glacier National Park entered its third day on Wednesday, Aug. 31, as a weather front threatened to bring lower temperatures and even snow in the mountains.

New offense for volleyball team

Ponies buck Bulldogs

Hal “ Doc” Reading

A smarter building

Low bidder gets TIGER project

No need to panic over infested trees

Whitefish travel app launched

Mental health program for seniors opens

Girls crush Stillwater, 11-0

Playing nine-on-nine, the Columbia Falls girls soccer team hammered Stillwater Christian School 11-0 at home last Saturday, Aug. 27.

Stillwater blanks 'Cats

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team lost its season opener to Stillwater Christian School 4-0 last Saturday, Aug. 27. Stillwater scored three goals in the first half and added an insurance goal in the second half for the victory.

Grant helps Hungry Horse motocross track

The Flathead Dirt Riders Association recently received an OHV Access Initiative $4,000 grant from Yamaha as a part of an ongoing effort to encourage safe, responsible riding and sustainable, open riding areas in northwest Montana.

'Cats' eyes set on conference repeat

They've got a big man behind center, a seasoned running back and a good offensive line. The stars could definitely align for this year's Columbia Falls football team.

Volleyball team loses two in season openers

The Columbia Falls volleyball team opened its season last Saturday with two non-conference losses to Hamilton and Corvallis, Aug. 27.

Peacock takes first place at Whitefish run

Nine-year-old Columbia Falls runner Kimberly Peacock took first place for all women at the 5K Whitefish Friends and Family Fun Run on Aug. 27.

All-Star thanks

Our Columbia Falls coaches, parents and players would again like to thank all those individuals and businesses who supported our 10U All Stars this past baseball season.

Booster thanks

The Columbia Falls High School Booster Club would like to extend a huge thank you to the Columbia Falls High School Class of ‘61 for their generous donation. The donation of $887 from the Class of ‘61's silent auction from their 50th reunion is greatly appreciated.

Fewer bear problems this summer

I'm a little bit surprised that there have been so few grizzly bear problems this summer.

Bridge was monument to promoters

Bridge building in March 1893 was subject of editor John W. Pace in The Columbian. Story in the Columbia Falls newspaper told of the new Red Bridge across the Flathead River. Same bridge is making headlines today, 118 years later.

Chicken-killing grizzlies relocated

Two grizzly bears blamed for killing more than 100 chickens at a home near Lake Five were caught and relocated to the Hungry Horse Reservoir area by Fish, Wildlife and Park bear specialists on Aug. 25.

Court won't stop wolf hunt

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals last week denied a request by environmental groups for an emergency injunction to halt wolf hunts scheduled to begin in Montana and Idaho Sept. 3.

Proposed regs would protect North Fork Big Creek bull trout

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing many fishing regulation changes across the western half of the state, but the most significant local change clarifies where an angler can and can't fish on the North Fork of the Flathead.

Opinion: Kokanee regs need biology behind them

In early October, the Montana Fish and Game Commission will adopt fishing regulations for 2012-2015, effective March 1, 2012. In an effort to reduce the harvest of large kokanee salmon in Little Bitterroot Lake, the department has proposed reducing the current 10 kokes daily over 14 inches to two fish daily over 12 inches. Both limits are included in the 20 kokanee salmon per day limit on Little Bitterroot Lake.

Outdoor news

Hunting regs

Wilderness lakes fish project on schedule

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say they will continue with their announced fish restoration projects in Necklace Lakes and Smokey Creek from Aug. 28 through Sept. 4, pending fire conditions in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Opinion: Apgar parking plan has some flaws

A couple of weeks ago, Glacier National Park officials released a plan to improve services at Apgar. The best idea is to move the existing visitor center services to the transit center, which is a short walk away.

Heart attack claims Park hiker

A 69-year-old man from Arvada, Colo., died of an apparent heart attack about 2 p.m. on Aug. 23 while hiking on the Gunsight Pass Trail in Glacier National Park.

Climate change study will use satellite data

Glacier National Park will be part of a broad study to model climate change across the western landscape with the hope of coming up with solutions to ecological problems caused by a warming planet.

Potting soil fire is second in three months

An early morning walker saved the day when she spotted a fire at a house on Riverside Drive and put it out with a garden hose.

Yesterdays

60 Years Ago

Fair reports higher numbers across the board

The 108th annual Northwest Montana Fair recorded 78,508 people attending events and exhibits at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Aug. 17-21. Attendance was about 4 percent higher than last year.

Seven regional aluminum plants gone

With recent talk about the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. smelter possibly restarting next year, the status of the other nine Pacific Northwest aluminum plants should interest readers.

Community news

Join Scouts

School and military news

Heather Ellsworth, of Columbia Falls is a fall 2011 recipient of a Community Pride Scholarship sponsored by Whitefish Credit Union. She is pursuing a career as a radiologic technologist at Flathead Valley Community College. In its 16th year, Whitefish Credit Union has awarded $76,545 in scholarships to 237 students enrolled at FVCC. For more information, contact the FVCC financial aid office at 756-3849.

Habitat townhomes project moving forward

A new Habitat for Humanity housing project in Columbia Falls is making progress, and families should be able to move into the first new units by this fall.

Long rider heads through C-Falls

It's not often you see a woman, two horses and her dog riding in a basket through Columbia Falls.

Get ready to rumble: annual car show set for Sunday

Downtown Bigfork will be transformed into a colorful corridor of classic, restored and custom cars Sunday, Sept. 4 when the village hosts the fourth annual Rumble in the Bay car show.

Bigfork boys, girls cross-country runners ready to make their mark

Bigfork’s cross-country team doesn’t have the numbers that head coach Sue Loeffler had hoped for, but it makes up for that lack of quantity with quality.

Suspects ruled out in school break-ins

After reviewing security camera footage from the recent middle school break-in, law enforcement officials determined that two suspects previously identified in connection to the case were not involved in that incident or the high school break-in that occurred earlier this month.

Local 4-H club members scoop up NWM Fair awards

When it came to showmanship, Lincoln May’s black Angus steer was right on the money — and with a name like Dollar, May expected no less.

Vals finish third at opening tournament

The Valkyries volleyball team got their first taste of the 2011 season Saturday when the varsity squad took part in the startup tournament in Eureka at Lincoln County High School.

Leading in Washington: no guts, no glory

John Nance “Cactus Jack” Garner was vice president under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He observed that the Vice Presidency was about as satisfying as “a pitcher of warm spit.” Cactus Jack also declared that New Deal era Montana U.S. Senator Burton K. Wheeler possessed the single most important attribute of a senator: “guts.” 

Forest landowners attend stewardship workshop

Private forest land doesn’t come with an owner’s manual.

Political effects of Civil War still present today

The First Battle of Bull Run, the first major battle of the Civil War, was fought 150 years ago on July 21.

Somers school district constructs garden

This summer the Somers community broke ground on a new project, literally.

Lakeside basketball camp teaches young players fundamentals

In August around Lakeside the sounds of splashing water are synonymous with summer, and far more common than the sounds of basketballs on a hardwood floor, but that wasn’t the case earlier this month as young players from around the Flathead Valley attended the first boys and girls Lakeside Basketball Camp.

Vikings prepare to defend title with new lineup

The idea of focusing on a new year and a new team is usually a concept reserved for those who are looking back on unfavorable seasons, but as the Vikings football team is coming to realize, new beginnings are also for those holding on to the championship title.

Chair 1 may open next month

Whitefish Mountain Resort is on track to have repairs completed on the downed Chair 1 sometime in September. If work goes as planned, they hope to shuttle passengers to summit before the summer season ends.

Columbia Falls schools start Aug. 31

The first day of school for Columbia Falls students is Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Death penalty

Despite the changes that Montana State Prison is making in their death penalty protocol, it will not help the victims who have already lived through the torment of having a loved one taken from them.

County responsible for Red Bridge

The following letter was sent by the First Best Place nonprofit organization in Columbia Falls to the Flathead County Commissioners:

U.S. 93 paving project starts

Auction raises more than $20,000

On behalf of the Wildc/kat Athletic Endowment Association, I would like to extend a big thank you to the Columbia Falls Community for your attendance and support at the WAEA auction, barbecue and golf fundraiser.

DAR involved in cemetery identification project

Ambitious project to photograph all grave markers to identify grave sites at Montana Veterans Home cemetery is underway by members of Bird Woman Falls Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter. Findagrave.com would be posted as an online Web site to assist with inquiries regarding veterans' and widows' graves at the cemetery.

Edward Jones Jr.

Edward Jones Jr., 78, of Columbia Falls, died Aug. 14, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Inez Weyrauch

Inez Evelyn Weyrauch, 84, passed away Aug. 13, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Mabel Loy

Mabel Loy, 91, passed away Aug. 13, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Cyril Rehberger

Cyril "Cy" Rehberger passed away at Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell on Aug. 14, 2011, surrounded by his daughter and granddaughters.

Robert Jeffries

Robert Jay Jeffries, 44, of Columbia Falls, died Aug. 13, 2011, at his home of heart and lung failure. 

Ski pass sale ends Sept. 30

The sale of winter ski passes at Whitefish Mountain Resort at a reduced price will end Sept. 30. After that, prices will go up significantly in two steps, topping $1,000 for adults.

Johnson to play golf and football

The Columbia Falls golf team will feature something that hasn't been done in years - an athlete playing two sports in the same season.

Boys soccer in rebuilding mode

This year's Columbia Falls High School boys soccer team will have some growing to do. The squad features six returning sophomores, nine freshmen and five seniors.

Dogs roster stacked with veterans

Lady Dogs go blue collar

Mind over matter

Hal Reading

Depot Park design plans take shape

Magazine names River Design 'best place to work'

Donations flood Christian Academy

Concert stage proposed for Peace Park

Seahawks perfect in senior softball league

The Columbia Falls Seahawks men's senior softball team recently capped off an undefeated season.

Catch-and-release tips

Last weekend, a friend told me about a nice trout he caught in an area lake the previous evening. He said the fish was about 16 inches long, and despite his best efforts to bring the trout to the boat quickly, the feisty rainbow jumped and dove and tugged hard against the rod.

Wildfires keep firefighters busy

Two fires burning inside the Bob Marshall Wilderness are sending smoke into the Flathead Valley and are expected to grow this week. The largest - a fire of unknown cause first detected near Big Salmon Lake on Aug. 16 - quickly grew to about 2,750 acres by presstime.

Chalet closes early for avalanche repair work

Sperry Chalet has closed for the season so repairs can be completed to the chalet and the kitchen roof.

Glacier Park visitation numbers remain low

Visitation to Glacier National Park this July was nearly 24 percent lower than last year and was at its lowest level since 2003, when large wildfires were burning across the Park and areas of the Park were shut down entirely.

Mother, son rescued from McDonald Creek

A woman and her 8-year-old son from Washington were rescued from Upper McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park on Aug. 17.

Canyon project faces foreclosure

The developers behind a 900-unit South Fork Addition project in Hungry Horse are facing foreclosure proceedings brought by Glacier Bank.

Community news

Chili feed

Northwest Montana Fair results

The following Columbia Falls area residents were winners at the Northwest Montana Fair:

Yesterdays

60 Years Ago

Plum Creek reviews safety procedures

Several recent accidents at Plum Creek Timber Co.'s plywood plant in Columbia Falls prompted management to temporarily shut down the facility while they reviewed safety procedures. The plant shut down on Aug. 15 and restarted Aug. 17.

Local fiddler wins state contest

A Columbia Falls musician recently took first place in the senior division at the 43rd Montana State Old-Time Fiddlers Association Contest held July 23 in Choteau.

Wolverine surprises North Fork campers

Sandy Ott has seen a lot of interesting animals in her six years as the host at Big Creek Campground - moose, elk, black bears, grizzly bears, beavers and otters, just to name a few. But on Aug. 17, she had the sighting of a lifetime - a wolverine.

Swan fire surpasses thousand-acre mark

Following several days of warm, dry weather conditions, the South Fork Lost Creek fire has more than doubled in size since last week.

Updated: Break-in suspect arrested, charged

Just days after the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office released the names and photos of two Bigfork teens wanted in connection with the Aug. 15 high school break-in, 18-year-old Eddie Wayne Dolzadelli turned himself in to law enforcement officials Saturday.

Bigfork to open soccer season Tuesday at home

With a week-and-half of two-a-day practices behind them, the Bigfork boys and girls soccer teams are preparing to take on their first competitors of the 2011 season, and they’re doing so with a lot of new faces on the field.

Bigfork art museum to assemble interim board

Almost a month after the entire Bigfork Museum of Art & History board of directors resigned, executive director Marnie Forbis is still trying to pick up the pieces.

Young performers shine at acting workshops

This year’s Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater workshops were yet again a success for actors of all ages.

Letter to the editor: trail work good for community

As a homeowner living within walking distance to the Beardance Trail I have long been aware of the bike features along the trail. I was first surprised, then impressed, by the effort, and then thankful for the many improvements to the trail. I also noticed the complete lack of garbage and debris that sadly often comes with the recreational use of our lands.

Two nurses honored for quality care

Two certified nursing assistants at Whitefish Care and  Rehabilitation Center were recently honored by the National Association of Health Care Assistants.

Hunter education classes scheduled

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Hunter Education classes will be held at Columbia Falls High School (enter at east entrance) on Sept. 13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 27 and 29, and Oct. 3. The field course will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1. For more information, contact Wade Fish, lead instructor, at 862-6359.

Park concessioners to scale back after Labor Day

Concessioners in Glacier National Park are beginning to transition into the fall. Some will stop providing services in early Sept. while others will remain open until mid-October.  

Park transitioning into fall schedule

Glacier National Park officials announced the last day to access Logan Pass by vehicle from the west side will be Sunday, Sept. 18. This early closing date is to allow accelerated fall season rehabilitation work on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Former CFAC owner donates to college

Recent news that the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. smelter plant has a shot at lining up a power contract with the Bonneville Power Administration coincided with this summer's news about one of the company's former owners.

Wilderness fires growing quickly

Two fires burning inside the Bob Marshall Wilderness are sending smoke into the Flathead Valley. The largest - a fire first detected on Tuesday, Aug. 16, near Big Salmon Lake - quickly grew to about 2,000 acres by Thursday, Aug. 18.

Brothers arrested for alleged theft ring

Two Whitefish brothers were arrested Aug. 16 for allegedly running a theft ring related to a recent string of vehicle break-ins.

Loyda named state swimming Coach of the Year

Galbraith keeper for SeaWolves

District budget down for 2012

City Hall locations reviewed

Columbia Falls schools start Aug. 31

The first day of school for Columbia Falls students is Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Robert Jeffries

Robert Jay Jeffries, 44 of Columbia Falls, passed away Aug. 13, 2011, at his home in Columbia Falls.

Thomas Brown

Thomas E. Brown, 61, formerly of Columbia Falls, died May 5, 2011, due to injuries from a motorcycle accident in York, Pa.

Robert Alsop IV

Robert Bainbridge Alsop IV, 37, died July 17, 2011, in a rafting accident on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Canyon trail fundraiser

I would like to thank everyone for their help with Pints for Paths 2011. It was a wonderful event.

Aluminum tab fundraiser

It's time to turn in your aluminum can tabs. You can drop them off in Columbia Falls at Kelly's Pub and Casino or the Pizza Hut or in Whitefish at the Moose Lodge or St. Charles Catholic Church. Or call 862-2669, 892-3557 or 257-2688 and we will arrange to pick them up.

Low-flying helicopters pose dangers

I am a native Montanan, woodworker and mountaineer based out of Whitefish, and I am writing to bring attention to a dangerous situation in Glacier National Park - illegally low-flying helicopter tours.

Helicopters intrude on Park's wild places

When people think of Glacier National Park, they often picture rugged and austere mountains, milky-blue lakes, grizzly bears, and one of our last true wild places in the lower 48.

Reflecting on a summer internship

When I first met the news staff at the Hungry Horse News, I wasn't sure what to think. I knew I liked the area and I knew I liked the people here.

Remembering Carey and Hatfield

Recently we suffered the loss of two very fine American politicians: Hugh Carey, a former U.S. Congressman and governor of New York, and former U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield, of Oregon.

North Fork groups elect new officers

At first it seemed that summer would never arrive. It certainly took its own sweet time. June was cold and rainy, and it was cool and wet in July - we celebrated the anniversary of the Wedge Canyon Fire of 2003 on July 18 with a rainstorm.

A whale of a tale

Has any human being, besides Jonah, ever survived the belly of a whale? Let's see.

C-Falls had shot at county seat

An election in November 1894 determined that Kalispell and not Columbia Falls would become county seat for Flathead County. Only one "l" was used when spelling Kalispell.

Williams leads cross country

The Columbia Falls cross-country team has a mix of seasoned veterans with a sprinkling of upcoming talent.

Spikers look to right the ship

The Columbia Falls girls volleyball team has a pretty simple goal.

Expectations high for girls soccer this year

With 17 returning players, 10 of them seniors, the Columbia falls girls soccer team is hoping for good things this season.

TV crew filmed re-enactment of missing soldier

A search for a soldier who may - or may not - be in the Bob Marshall Wilderness has seen renewed interest this summer.

Young kid catches old bass

A Kalispell youth recently caught a largemouth bass in a Flathead River slough that fisheries biologists say is probably nine years older than the boy.

Black bear killed in motorcycle crash

A sow black bear is dead and a motorcyclist from Delaware was injured after the two collided on U.S. 2 near Essex last week.

2,200-mile hike had its ups and downs

Shayla Paradeis never wants to eat peanut butter again.

Park backcountry slowly opening up

After a long, cold winter and equally cold spring, all but four of Glacier National Park's backcountry campgrounds are now open.

Park wants to expand Apgar parking

Glacier National Park is proposing major changes in the Apgar area, including moving the visitor center operations into its existing transit center and expanding parking in several locations.

Holding the line on taxes

Shrinking funding sources are putting a lot of pressure on school boards across the U.S., and Columbia Falls schools are no exception. But the School District 6 board found a way to meet educational requirements without raising taxes.

Community news

Class schedules

Stimulus money goes to depot upgrades

Railroad depots in West Glacier, Whitefish and Shelby will see improvements to their loading platforms this year, as $638,801 in federal stimulus money has been directed toward the projects.

Technology feeds Flathead gun industry

Squeeze the trigger no more than a hair and the rifle fires. The kick-back isn't enough to bother a fly, and even the most inexperienced shooter can hit a small target at 500 yards. As the bolt-action is pulled and the bullet casing is kicked out, the smoke still hangs in the air, surrounding the sleek weapon and the shooter with an aura of "I'm tough, yet sophisticated."

Montana loses $16 million in archery elk drawing

The 2011 archery elk permit drawing results are in, and for some it was a day of reward and excitement.  For others there was disappointment in not drawing a permit for this year. For Montana it was an economic bloodletting. 

Ghost town photo exhibit on display at museum

Some of Montana’s earliest cities have all but disappeared since the demise of the mining industry, but many of them are forever preserved in the photography of Deer Lodge artist Lee Silliman.

School board approves 2011-12 budget

The Somers school board meeting was held on August 10, and chief among the agenda items was approving the final budget, which was adopted without ado.

Crews work to contain fire near Swan Lake

The wildfire burning approximately seven miles southeast of Swan Lake was upgraded from a type 4 to a type 3 fire Monday due to the increased complexity of the effort to contain the blaze.

Research buoys go into Flathead Lake

Researchers at The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS), in conjunction with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), placed two large instrumental buoys in Flathead Lake on Aug. 10.

Bigfork River Run raises money for cross country program

Back when Maureen Redfield was in high school, cross country wasn’t offered as an organized sport.

Letter to the editor: family fun day a success

On Saturday, July 30 the Big Arm Association held its very successful annual family fun day, and we thank everyone who attended.

"Chapter X" raises money for library

Close to 200 people filled a ballroom at the White Oak Grand Hotel last Thursday evening, where the West Shore Community Library’s annual Chapter fundraiser was held.

Fires in Bob and on Swan Range

Flathead National Forest officials are monitoring a wild fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness near Big Prairie but allowing it to burn.

Incidental bear capture had merit

A male grizzly bear captured north of Columbia Falls last week was released near the Canada border on Aug. 9.

History float up the North Fork

History buffs will get a chance to learn about early steamship navigation up the North Fork River when the Museum at Central School and Glacier Raft Company team up to lead a float trip on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Plea deals offered for casino robbery

The court cases for four Flathead residents are winding down in connection with their roles in the robbery of a casino on U.S. 2 south of Columbia Falls.

School news

Kate Marcille, of Columbia Falls, was recently selected to receive a $17,496 tuition support scholarship from the Oregon State University Foundation for the 2011-2012 academic year. She was recommended by the Department of Forest Engineering and Management. Marcille graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 2006 and the University of Montana in 2010 with degrees in economics and environmental studies.

Flathead Forest seeking RAC proposals

The Flathead National Forest's Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee is currently requesting project proposals. About $299,000 will be available for projects on federal and non-federal lands that benefit National Forest System lands.

Marijuana court rulings drive men's plea agreement

The two men whose cases were cited in a medical marijuana lawsuit against Flathead County Attorney Ed Corrigan have opted to plead no contest to felony drug charges.

Lightning-caused fire reported in the Bob

Flathead National Forest officials last week were monitoring a wild fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness near Big Prairie but allowing it to burn.

Outdoor Yoga classes raise money for Lakeside's Volunteer Park

Yoga is an activity that brings joy to many peoples’ lives — as does being outdoors and helping raise money for charitable causes — so the idea to bring the three together wasn’t much of a stretch for Karina Ek, owner of Flourish Yoga.

Harvest time begins for cherry growers

The Flathead cherry harvest finally got underway last week, and according to Flathead Lake Cherry Growers president Dale Nelson, everything is running smoothly.

NFYC keeps The Cup

A sea of color added to the beauty of Flathead Lake as Somers hosted the 2011 Montana Cup regatta over the weekend.

Jeannie Warner

Jeannie Warner, 89, died July 26, 2011.

John Jorgenson

John Lee Jorgenson, 63, has been received in the arms of Jesus our Lord on July 28, 2011.

Group helps non-traditional student

Chrystal Fern Hunt

Ryders post top times at state

Glacier 13U ends run in semifinals

Farrens ready to lead Lady Bulldogs

Two good politicians remembered

Recently we suffered the loss of two very fine American politicians: Hugh Carey, a former U.S. Congressman and Governor of New York; and former U.S. Sen. Mark Hatfield of Oregon.

Keep it clean Whitefish

While it is great to see all the people visiting our town and having a wonderful time despite the current state of the economy it saddens me to see the amount of garbage that is carelessly tossed to the ground from one end of Whitefish to the other.  Have we forgotten the basic rules of our childhood or are we not concerned with how this will reflect on our visitors?  Whitefish has always been relatively good about maintaining a level of cleanliness.  We have multiple containers around town and there is always an extra bin close by.  I would much rather have you put your trash where it belongs so I don’t have to explain to my daughters why some people are lazy, careless and ignorant.  It doesn’t make sense to them and frankly it angers me.

Election hypocrisy

How ironic that Frank Sweeney’s chief cheerleader Dan Weinberg writes that, “Divisive, disrespectful and inaccurate information about opponents have no place in our community.” (Whitefish Pilot, July 20)

City tax valuation on the rise

WFD responds to three fires

NW Montana Fair starts Tuesday

'Peddler, hawker' code to be repealed

House candidate touts business background

CAO 'steep slopes' could be amended

Body of missing rafter found in Flathead River

The body of a 37-year-old Hungry Horse man, missing since a July 17 rafting accident on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, was found in the river about eight miles downstream near Hungry Horse on Aug. 4.

Community news

Ballet at the market

Call for support of BPA power sales to CFAC

The Bonneville Power Administration is proposing to enter into a power sales agreement that would provide power service to Columbia Falls Aluminum Company beginning April 1, 2012. You can read the draft agreement at the web site listed below.

What Vince Fisher did

A good friend of near 60 years called me last Wednesday from Butte. Vince Fisher was happy as a little kid with a new bike because a long dreamed of book featuring his wildlife photos has been published by Far Country Press. It is called "Four Seasons of Wildlife in Montana and Yellowstone Park."

Input needed for library survey

Questions concerning present and future of Columbia Falls Branch Library are continuing. Situation does not just center on location of the branch library. There are many issues facing and concerning Columbia Falls Library Association.

Newcomer recalls historical highlights

This column was written by guest writer Patti Hart the editor of NFNews.net.

Glacier All-Stars come up short in regional semi

The Glacier Babe Ruth 13U All-Stars, made of players from Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Bigfork, ended their run at the Northwest Regional Babe Ruth Tournament in Kennewick, Wash., with a loss in the semifinal game.

Nelson and Langton bring home gold

Karyssa Nelson and Tyler Langton shined at the state AA swim meet July 30-31 in Chinook. Nelson snared five gold medals, and Langton had four gold medals and a silver.

Fishing tips for high water

Finally, the Flathead River is clearing and I hear it screaming, "Fish me, fish me." But don't kid yourself, there's still a huge volume of water rolling down the Flathead River.

Judge's ruling keeps wolves off ESA list

While he viewed it as a "disrespect" for the rule of law, U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy last week upheld a provision that removed gray wolves in Montana and Idaho from protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Inside North Fork Road still closed

Glacier National Park's Inside North Fork Road probably won't open in its entirety until at least the end of this month, Park spokesperson Denise Germann said last week.

Comments sought on Quartz Creek fish project

Glacier National Park biologists want to bolster an existing man-made fish barrier on Quartz Creek just downstream of Middle Quartz Lake.

Heaven's Peak Lookout project delayed for year

A combination of deep snow and more urgent repairs elsewhere has postponed a plan to stabilize the old Heaven's Peak Lookout in Glacier National Park.

Greenbelt gets the green light

A new zoning district proposed for county land along highways was unanimously approved by the Flathead County Commissioners on July 27.

Property rights addressed in growth policy draft

The Flathead County Planning Board has drafted a new chapter to the growth policy that specifically addresses "property rights."

Bad weather, bad concrete slows Two Medicine bridge project

A slow start to construction this year left the Two Medicine Bridge construction crew east of East Glacier with a handful of months and much to accomplish before they close for the season.

City wants to meet with county over Red Bridge

Questions about the future of the Red Bridge, now that county funding to fix it up is in jeopardy, prompted the Columbia Falls City Council to call for a meeting with the Flathead County Commissioners. The bridge has become an eyesore that attracts vandals, graffiti artists and late-night parties, some residents say.

Wrangler heads off griz on trail ride

A quick-thinking wrangler turned away a grizzly bear that chased its supper into the midst of a horse party in West Glacier last month.

Family works together during cherry harvest

For most kids, a summer job means three months of scooping ice cream or flipping burgers.

Golfers raise money for high school program

ALERT helicopter team practices river tow rescue

With water levels throughout the Flathead Valley running higher than normal this summer, it’s been a busy season for Flathead County Search and Rescue.

Letter to the editor: Crane Mountain photos misleading

Unfortunately, the photos shown with your July 27 article about the Crane Mountain trails gives the impression folks are arguing over the use of logs to cross wet areas on the Beardance Trail, which is not the case. You did not show any photos of the breakneck biking jumps installed along the Beardance Trail, one of which was posted by Ron Cron on Crane Mountain Trail Supporters’ Facebook page soon after the jump was constructed this June.

First Descents: A memorable experience for all involved

Olympic Park sued over goring

Visitors to Glacier National Park, along with Park supporters and staff, will be interested in a story about a lawsuit involving Olympic National Park in Washington.

Park hiker attacked by grizzly

A 50-year-old hiker from St. Paul, Minn., was attacked and injured by a grizzly bear in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park on Friday, Aug. 5.

Griz attacks hiker near Many Glacier

Friday at about noon a hiker on the trail from Many Glacier to Piegan Pass was attacked by a grizzly bear.  

County growth policy work continues

The Flathead County Planning Board is moving on to Phase 3 in their update of the county growth policy by reviewing each chapter to ensure all pertinent data and maps are up to date.

Powell to play for Westminster College

Prep players get taste of next level

Glacier 13U earns win at regionals

Library's Pilot archive moved to Kalispell

Depot to be ADA compliant

Whitefish teacher donates kidney

David Armstrong

David William Armstrong, 56, passed away at his home on the North Fork Road, near Columbia Falls, on July 27, 2011.

Maxine Ness

Maxine Alida Ness, 89, died July 16, 2011, just two months shy of her 90th birthday. She had been in failing health, memory, vision and attitude for some time and finally just gave up the fight. She died quietly at her home in the Vivian Findley Friendship House in Kalispell, where she had lived under their loving care for the past three years.

Robert Herrman

Robert "Bob" Herrman, 58, passed away Nov. 26, 2010, after a short battle with cancer, in Sharpsburg, Ga.

A political misstep to remember

Over the course of a career, you get to interview and meet thousands of interesting people. Some of their stories will haunt you for the rest of your life. Others will make you smile.

How to become portly

From the presidential halls, the Surgeon General's office and from many leading doctors across the country, experts are calling it "the number one health problem" in America. These folks are talking about our overweight citizenry, recently reporting one out of every four adults are "obese," along with quite a high percentages of children.

From flood season to fire season

We humans are a worrisome lot. We have just finished worrying about flooding, and now it's time to worry about fire season.

Food bank is low on food

The North Valley Food Bank is growing and is in need of help. When we started more than 30 years ago, we had three families. We now have 150 to 200 families a week. This includes deliveries to seniors and the home-bound.

Library survey

A summer 2011 survey is being conducted by a committee of the Columbia Falls Library Association. We appreciate whatever observations and comments you are willing to share with us in writing so that we may focus the activities of the Columbia Falls Library Association to reflect the majority wishes of the community.

One-horned goat returns

Once again, you have lifted my spirits and helped me make it through another day in the East. I'm from Montana and was raised in the Flathead Valley. I've been working in the East and so look forward each week to reading both the Inter Lake and the Hungry Horse News.

Mixed martial arts draws a crowd at Heritage Days

Columbia Falls hosted its first-ever mixed martial arts cage fights at Heritage Days on Saturday, with a crowd of about 200 coming out to see 14 bouts. The lone fighter from Columbia Falls was Rick Lawrence, who was defeated by Cody Weaving, Polson.

Boogie To The Bank

For Kalispell runner Troy Fraley, the Heritage Days Boogie to the Bank race was a nice tune-up for the upcoming cross-country season.

Heritage Days 3-on-3 hoops

Results from the Columbia Falls 3-on-3 Heritage Days tournament held Saturday, July 30:

Fall sports practices and meetings

In preparation for fall sports at Columbia Falls High School, a parent-athlete-coaches meeting will take place in the Little Theater on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 6 p.m. All parents and athletes involved in fall sports are encouraged to attend.

Twins eliminated from playoffs after tough loss to Missoula

The Glacier Twins' run for a playoff spot in AA Legion Baseball ended July 23 when they were eliminated from contention after a tough 10-6 loss to Missoula at Memorial Field.

Cross-state horse riders will traverse the Bob

Katie Russell and Tom Fairbank aren't your typical pair. Fairbank is 66 and spent a big chunk of his life in Alaska. Russell is 27 and grew up in Palmyra, upstate New York.

Forest Service road delays, closures announced

Travelers can expect up to 90-minute delays on Whale Creek Road, Forest Service Road 318 in the North Fork, while Forest Service crews replace culverts along a three-mile stretch of the road near Ninko Creek. The work is expected to be completed by Aug. 5.

Clothing, bones may be of 2008 missing Glacier Park hiker

On July 3, John Wagner, a longtime lover of Glacier National Park, decided to explore the headwall above Avalanche Lake with his grown son.

Park's Highline Trail opens to hikers

Two of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park finally opened last week. The Highline Trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet opened July 27, and the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail also opened.

Rock falls on motorcycle on Sun Road

A motorcycle passenger hit by a 10-to-15-pound rock while riding on the Going-to-the-Sun Road near Triple Arches, west of Logan Pass, was airlifted out of Glacier National Park on July 26.

Property owner wants river's edge trail easement abandoned

The owner of riverfront property next to the Old Red Bridge says he wants the city to abandon the trail easement through his property.

Plum Creek donates to fire hall

The Bad Rock Volunteer Fire Department received a nice boost last week when the Plum Creek Foundation donated $10,000 for its new fire hall.

Northwest Montana Fair

The Northwest Montana Fair kicks off Aug. 12 and runs through Aug. 21. The following is a schedule of events:

Community news

Bike path workshop

Nonprofit school will focus on student farming

Sherry Lewis-Peterson has already begun to till the soil that will eventually grow her dream of teaching a traditional education in a farm-like setting.

Power offer could salvage CFAC

A Bonneville Power Administration proposal to sell 140 megawatts of power to Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. is a key component to getting the smelter plant up and running again. The announcement was made during an open house at Discovery Square on Monday, Aug. 1.

Mini horses make stop at Lakeview Care Center

It was a perfect summer afternoon when Lake View Care Center residents gathered on the facility’s patio to meet a trio of hoofed visitors.

New booth layout for Festival of the Arts

Call it a new twist on an old favorite.

Entire art museum board resigns

The Bigfork Museum of Art & History lost its entire board of directors Thursday following backlash from a July 20 announcement that executive director Marnie Forbis would be laid off due to a lack of funding in the budget to cover her salary.

Letter: no reason for mountain bikes on Crane Mountain

As a longtime resident of Bigfork, and an avid user of the Crane Mountain trail system over the years, and even though I have good friends who are proponents of mountain biking, after viewing videos of the kind of extreme mountain biking that is being envisioned for Crane Mountain, I have to say that I am opposed to the introduction of illegal trails, and modification of existing trails for the benefit of extreme mountain bikers.

Godless billboard greets Missoula motorists

“Don’t believe in God? Join the club.”

John Jorgenson

John Lee Jorgenson, 63, has been received in the arms of Jesus our Lord on July 28, 2011.

Evergreen teen appeals prison sentence

The Evergreen woman convicted of two counts of deliberate homicide for intentionally crashing her car head-on into another vehicle in 2009 has appealed her sentence to the Montana Supreme Court.

Yesterdays

60 Years Ago

Skydiver killed at Lost Prairie Boogie

A 27-year-old Washington man died Saturday afternoon while skydiving at the 44th annual Lost Prairie Boogie near Marion.

Study finds groundwater contamination from septics

Health officials say study has limitations

Late cherry harvest could be good news

While this year's cherry harvest is running almost three weeks later than normal, it's shaping up to be a decent year for growers around Flathead Lake.