Ellington

City sewer work started

Annual sailing regatta the 'best ever'

Montana unemployment slightly up

Andrew T. 'Hoss' Overcash

Twins fall short of playoff berth

Looking for a good dog?

Local couple followed by House Hunters

Peace Park gets OK'd by council

Wanted man arrested near Seattle

Master pianist teaches at music camp

James Huggins

James M. Huggins passed away on July 12, 2011, in Olympia, Wash.

Hans Nielsen

Hans Leonard Nielsen, 68, passed away on July 17, 2011, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation in Whitefish.

Margaret Bennett

Interment services for Margaret "Marge" Ryan Bennett, formerly of Columbia Falls, will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery on July 31, 2011 at 4 p.m.

Doris Hall

Doris Ethelyn (Peterson) Hall, 96, of Billings and formerly of Valier, passed away July 19, 2011.

The man who sang at our wedding

When Iris and I were married, she asked a favorite high school teacher, Al Olson, to sing at our wedding. Later learned he was a fly purist, the kind who didn't even like to ride in the same car with a worm fisherman. Close friends never mentioned things like Colorado spinners or bait-casting rigs in his presence.

Landowners meeting big success

The auction at Sondreson Hall last weekend had more than one goal. First was to revive an old tradition. Second was to provide a community experience by hosting a community-wide activity. Finally, there was a desire to raise some money to fund the North Fork Landowners Association's History Committee.

First C-Falls O-Mok-See was held at ball park

First O-Mok-See and horse show sponsored by Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club in Columbia Falls took place Aug. 27, 1950. It is a certainty that some of those ambitious club members are still here today. If not, family members have their memories.

The war that divided the U.S.

The First Battle of Bull Run, the first major battle of the Civil War, was fought 150 years ago on July 21. The sesquicentennial of America's bloodiest conflict has now begun. Until Vietnam, more Americans were killed or maimed in the Civil War than all our other wars combined.

Local shelter thanks Missoula

As a volunteer for the Flathead County Animal Shelter, I have been a witness to the ever growing population of stray and owner-surrendered dogs at the shelter. In the past few weeks, the shelter's population has grown to approximately 80 dogs. It is truly heart-breaking to see so many former loving and faithful companions awaiting their new homes as more continue to arrive at the shelter.

New green box regs need review

These are my thoughts on the recent ruling/law that took effect on July 1 regarding no "dumpster diving" at the green box location in Columbia Falls as well as salvaging at the landfill.

Glacier All-Stars win state Babe Ruth tourney

The Glacier All-Stars won the state Babe Ruth 13U tournament on Saturday, defeating the Bitterroot All-Stars 5-4 in eight innings in the final game at Sapa-Johnsrud Field in Columbia Falls.

Williams wins cruise run

Wildcat runner Derrick Williams outdueled Steve Morley in the final 150 meters of the second annual Columbia Falls Cross Country Cruise 6K race on Saturday to win by two seconds. Meanwhile, Morley's daughter, Makena, an incoming freshman at Bigfork High School, dominated the women's field.

Swan Range ultramarathon canceled due to snowpack

The Swan Crest 100 ultra-marathon race was canceled this year because of deep snowpack in the higher elevations of the Swan Range.

Lakers shut down Twins

Kalispell's Joe Pistorese held the Glacier Twins to five hits and smacked a scoring hit in the seventh inning as the Kalispell Lakers rolled to a 10-0 AA American Legion baseball victory at Griffin Field on July 19.

Glacier Twins sweep doubleheader

The Glacier Twins swept a doubleheader from the Medicine Hat Monarchs on July 22 at Memorial Field.

The good and bad effects of spring runoff

My recent perusal of www.waterdata.usga.gov showed most Montana rivers are still running two to three times normal flow. That's a lot of water to deal with while floating and fishing. Most streamflows are dropping, but anglers are urged to stay alert as river channels may have changed.

Glacier Twins A team knocked out of tourney

The Glacier Twins A team scored six runs in the final two innings, but it wasn't enough to overtake the Kalispell Lakers in the Western A District American Legion baseball tournament.

Local day hike book sees fourth edition

The fourth edition of Stormy Good Monod's local guide book, "Day Hikes Around the Flathead," was recently published.

Outdoor news

Flathead Native Plant Society is looking for volunteers for the Glacier National Park Noxious Weed Blitz on Thursday, July 28. Participants will learn how to identify five targeted non-native invasive plant species, how to conduct invasive plant surveys, and how to map locations using GPS units. Participants will then break into smaller groups and head out to areas around West Glacier to pull weeds. For more information, contact the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center at 888-7986 or by e-mailing glac_citizen_science@nps.gov.

Visiting Scouts build dining hall for Glacier Institute

Boy Scout Troop 99 from Lancaster, Pa., traveled across the continent to put their boys to work volunteering in Glacier National Park last week.

Climbing exhibit to be unveiled during Heritage Days

Mountaineering in Glacier National Park has a long history, and the Glacier Mountaineering Society's new exhibit in the bank vault at Discovery Square in Columbia Falls honors that legacy.

Root pruning, re-paving on Apgar trail

Construction work on the Apgar Bike Path in Glacier National Park is aimed at pruning roots and re-paving the path.

Motorcyclist dies in Park crash

A 70-year-old man from Alberta died in Glacier National Park on Saturday, July 23, after his motorcycle crashed about 5:30 p.m. on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in front of the restroom west of Logan Creek.

City sued for skateboard fatality in '08

The widow of a man who died following a skateboarding accident on a bike path in the Cedar Pointe subdivision has sued the city of Columbia Falls and others connected with the subdivision at the south end of Nucleus Avenue.

Yesterdays

60 Years Ago

Community news

The 18th annual Columbia Falls High School Summer Jazz Camp will take place through Thursday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to noon for students entering grades 7-12. The camp will include the school's jazz band, small ensembles, improvisation and a barbecue on the last day. Cost is $45. For more information, call Karen Ulmer at 892-6500 ext. 267 or 892-2487.

School and military news

Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Grant Baginski, of Martin City, recently competed in the Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis. The week-long series of events included qualifying with an M-4 rifle at night, day and night navigation, hand-to-hand combat, first aid and weapons assembly. He was one of 43 soldiers who competed. Winners will compete next at Fort Lee, Va., and those winners will compete in an Army-wide event later in the year. Baginski, who has been in the military for eight years, received a bachelor's in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati in 2010. He's a combat engineer team leader assigned to the 449th Engineer Company, in Fort Thomas, Ky.

Local anglers broadcast their skills

Two local fishermen have found the perfect job. They get to travel around the country and catch trout in some of the best fishing streams and rivers in the West - and help keep the camera gear dry.

Letter: Animal shelter population growing

Flathead cherry harvest running late

Running late is almost always a bad thing — unless you’re a cherry farmer on Flathead Lake, that is.

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.

Bigfork Businesses, school hit in vandalism spree

Athletes spend summer prepping for seasons

For most students, summer is known as time off, but for many athletes at Bigfork High School it is a time to concentrate on their sports of choice with open gyms, tournaments and time in the weight room.

School board opts to delay roof remodel until next year

At their July 13 meeting, the Somers-Lakeside school board approved the selection of CTA Architects Engineers of Kalispell to oversee the remodeling of the roof on Somers Middle School.

Fishing limits lifted on wilderness lakes

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission last week removed the daily and possession bag-limits for seven lakes in the Bob Marshall Wilderness scheduled for rehabilitation work.

Judge rules state law clear on marijuana transactions

Montana's Medical Marijuana Act does not allow for medical marijuana transactions between caregivers, Flathead County District Court Judge Stewart Stadler ruled July 21.

Annual 200 race filled with drama, excitement

The Montana 200 is the cornerstone of the summer racing season at Raceway Park in Kalispell, and Saturday night’s competition left little for the crowd to be disappointed about with hours of excitement and entertainment.

Man who fell on Grinnell Glacier trail was avid hiker

The Omaha, Neb., man who died July 18 on Glacier National Park's Grinnell Glacier Trail leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Suspect in Happy Valley robbery arrested in Washington

The fourth man wanted in connection with an armed home-invasion in Happy Valley on July 6 was arrested July 19 in Renton, Wash.

Robert 'Jake' Jacobson

Robert C. “Jake” Jacobson of Whitefish passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 13, 2011.

Richard "Dicky" Deats

Richard "Dicky" Deats sadly passed away from heart complications at the Kalispell Hospital late on Thursday, July 14, 2011.

Hunting license deadlines

Fall turkey hunting

Heritage Days is C-Falls big event

Heritage Days is the biggest event in Columbia Falls, with thousands of people showing up on Wednesday through Sunday, July 27-31, for 3-on-3 basketball, a wild horse drive, the parade down Nucleus Avenue, a car show at Marantette Park, the Boogie To The Bank run, ultimate fighting at the high school and a concert by electric cellist Jami Sieber.

Schindler's List screening to include question session with Academy Award winning producer

It’s been nearly two decades since Gerald Molen co-produced the movie “Schindler’s List,” but he believes the message of the movie is just as important today and one people should take in again.

Calling for a respectful election

Twins, Chargers split doubleheader

Zach Maassen had a 3-run home run, and Chris King a 2-run homer as the Glacier Twins posted a 7-run fifth inning and defeated the Great Falls Chargers 8-3 on July 17 at Memorial Park in Whitefish. The Chargers bounced back with a 2-run homer of their own to claim the nightcap 3-2.

Twins end streak against Lethbridge

A big fourth inning blast from Cody Elek and all-around timely team-hitting in the sixth inning helped the Glacier Twins defeat the Lethbridge Spitz Elks on July 15.

Sports news

High school golf camp

Twins A team crushed in doubleheader

The Libby Loggers scored 21 runs in two games and swept a doubleheader with the Glacier Twins in an American Legion Class A contest July 15.

Thompson scores as West wins Shrine Game

The West packed away a 24-3 victory in the 65th annual Montana East-West Shrine football game on Saturday night at the Laurel Sports Complex. A swarming West defense limited the East to 223 total yards while forcing eight punts.

Swim team places second in Plains meet

The Columbia Falls Swim Team placed second at the swim meet in Plains over the weekend, with 781.5 points. Bitterroot took first place with 1,636 points.

Plum Creek helps swim team

Plum Creek's Lorrie Woods, bottom left, with the Columbia Falls Swim Team and a $1,000 "check" the timber company donated to help the team purchase a new lane-line reel for the swim team. "The community is a great help on this stuff. We couldn't do it without them," swim coach Mike Nelson said.

State champs

The Columbia Falls 10U All Stars went 6-0 at the state tournament on their way to the championship, beating Kalispell 10U Prep 13-3 in the final. The team scored a combined 102 runs over the weekend while only allowing 10. The team is now 20-3 on the season and will compete next week at the Pacific Northwest Regional tournament in Wenatchee, Wash. Team members are, left to right, back row, coach Tim Gilk; middle row, coach Eric Morgan, Drew Morgan, Gage Karlin, Parker Greene, Sawyer Hanson, John Gilk, Tanner Gove, Colten Mcphee anc coach Mike McPhee; front row, Billy Barrett Jr., Nathan Hader, Coby Clark-Dickenson, Logan Bechtel, Lane Sapa and Cade Morgan.

Stella Conner

Stella L. "Sally" Conner, 86, died July 9, 2011, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Carlton Tidrick

Surrounded by family, Carlton "Cal" O. Tidrick peacefully passed away at his home in Tucson, Ariz., on July 7, 2011.

$10,000 reward offered for leads on Canyon fire

On Wednesday, May 11, my cabin was set on fire. At first, panic took over while I tried to find out if my friend and his dog were inside. I could see his truck parked where it always is when he is home.

In the name of progress...

Technology. It now rules our lives. Can you remember what life was like before computers, video games and cell phones? I can and I'm not that old. Just 28. And I know the generation that came after me has no idea. They can't remember a time without it. They have intimate text relationships with each other. Texting sweet nothings to each other in between Facebook status updates and texting their friends.

North Fork threat level still secret

It has been another action-packed, fun-filled week on the North Fork, with community service, educational, informative and just plain fun social events. The biggest gathering was for the interlocal meeting, which I would call informative and educational.

Another day in Glacier

A woeful incident occurred last Sunday on the road into Many Glacier, just outside the Park. An out-of-state family was pulling a large fold-out camper trailer with a Suburban. Sign on the vehicle said, "Glacier Park," and across the back of the trailer was hopefully scrawled, "Montana or Bust." That was prophetic! When Shannon and I came upon them, one side of the trailer was lying on the pavement because the axle had broken. A teenage girl told me, "Thanks for stopping but we have help on the way."

Oil boom in the North Fork

Large headlines in August 1951 declared oil drilling would start in the North Fork. This was exciting news with hopes for commercial quantities, new road punched through to the rest of Canada, economic values on the undeveloped valley between primitive mountain areas.

School news

Amanda Milliard, of Columbia Falls, was named to the dean's list at Montana State University-Billings for the 2011 spring session.

Community news

The Maw Brothers, Wyatt and Jesse, will perform old-time fiddle music at Marantette Park on Thursday, July 21, beginning at 6 p.m. as part of the Columbia Falls Lions Club's summer concert series. Their debut album "Done Gone" features swing and jazz performed with fiddle, guitar and mandolins. Donations of $3 per person or $5 per family are suggested. In event of rain, the concert will be held at the St. Richard's Catholic Church, on the U.S. 2 strip.

Glacier Park visitation down 21 percent

Glacier National Park has seen a very slow start to its summer tourist season. Visitation in June was down 21 percent compared to last year. According to recently released statistics, about 266,000 people visited the Park this June, compared to 337,120 last year. The last time June visitor numbers were lower was in 2002, when the Park saw 225,000 visits.

Logan Pass opening worth wait

Larry Leger and Sharon Knight, of Louisiana, came up Glacier National Park on a tour of the West. With the Going-to-the-Sun Road closed over Logan Pass at the time, they decided to extend their stay, traveling to Canada and then Yellowstone National Park.

Bush says philanthropy needed for national parks

She toured waterfalls, watched a giant full moon over towering peaks, saw grizzly bears, osprey, marmots and mountain goats, and went on several hikes.

Quota set for fall wolf hunt

Montana's Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission last week set a quota of 220 wolves for the upcoming hunting season. The quota is spread over 14 wolf management units, generally across western Montana.

Reservoir timber project resurrected after lawsuit

The Flathead National Forest is seeking comments on a proposed timber sale and thinning project at the southwest end of the Hungry Horse Reservoir that was delayed following a 2010 lawsuit.

Outdoor news

Weed blitz

Yesterdays

60 Years Ago

Walls go up for new assisted-living project

Construction of a 39-unit assisted living facility in Columbia Falls is moving along at a fast pace. Glenn Schenavar, the general contractor and an investor in the Timber Creek Village project, had most of the prefabricated wall panels for one wing in place within a few days of the concrete slab being poured.

Zinke announces election plans

Ryan Zinke, the Republican state senator from Whitefish, announced July 10 that he is running for Montana lieutenant governor with Neil Livingstone, of Helena, who is running for governor.

Blackfeet oil exploration expanding

Drilling for more oil and gas along the western edge of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation appears inevitable, but long-term plans are fuzzy and information is scarce.

Time to take action to change government

The national debt, now above $14 trillion, is equal to about 95 percent of our GDP.

Letters to the editor

Meeting held to discuss bridge replacement

Construction is still several years away, but the engineers and Montana Department of Transportation officials working on the plan to replace Sportsman’s Bridge have already begun accepting public input on the project.

Community joins together to help fight cancer

Bigfork has stepped up each year to raise money for the annual Relay For Life fundraising event, and year was no exception.

Science and history day events

The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park will hold its annual science and history day at the Lake McDonald Lodge auditorium in Glacier National Park on July 22. The event, which is free and open to the public, features guest speakers and researchers who touch on a variety of topics, from plant and animal studies to culture and history.

Man presumed dead after raft incident

A 37-year-old man from Hungry Horse is missing and was presumed dead by Sunday evening after searchers failed to find him in the Flathead River.

Hiker killed in fall on Grinnell Glacier Trail

Glacier National Park officials reported July 18 that a male hiker was killed after he took a 50-100 foot slide on a steep snow field on the Grinnell Glacier Trail.

Lakeside, Somers full of activities this Saturday

Twins, Lakers in roller-coaster tourney game

After nearly four hours of back-and-forth baseball, the Kalispell Lakers stole another game from the Glacier Twins at home during the July 6 Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial tournament.

Heinz named coach of the year

Columbia Falls High School track coach Jamie Heinz was recently named Coach of the Year for Class A boys track and field by vote of the Montana Coaches Association.

Swimmers take sixth at Chester meet

The Columbia Falls Swim Team took sixth place at the Chester swim meet last week. Bitterroot won the meet.

Wildcat golf camp July 18 at Meadow Lake

Columbia Falls High School students interested in being part of the 2011 golf teams should contact coach Gene Marcille at 892-3164.

Fun run for 'Cats cross-country team

The Columbia Falls cross-country program will holds its second annual Cross Country Cruise, a 6K fun run at the high school on July 23 at 9 a.m. Proceeds from the race will benefit the high school cross-country program.

About surprises

Rather eerie. Last week, I cited an old Dave Barry column wherein he said with tongue and cheek, "Nature is located mainly in national parks, which are vast tracts of wilderness set aside by the U.S. government so citizens will always have someplace to go where they can be attacked by bears." Then last week it happened, a fatal attack in Yellowstone.

Recent spill shows need to increase regulations

The recent fouling of Montana's Yellowstone River is a warning alarm that we must be more diligent to secure the integrity of our priceless waterways. Yesterday's farmers, ranchers, miners and honyockers needed the rivers. Now, under increasing industrial and population pressures, the rivers need us.

Yellowstone spill: D.C. is getting a show poodle

It is no surprise Gov. Brian Schweitzer's decision to suddenly stop working with federal Environmental Protection Agency officials and ExxonMobil and stage a grandstanding attack on a major Billings-area employer came just days after a new poll showed him within striking distance of grabbing a new job in the United States Senate. The poll shows Schweitzer could defeat Sen. Max Baucus in a Democrat primary for his U.S. Senate seat by currying favor with multi-million dollar radical environmentalist groups hostile to Montana's energy economy.

Tried and true trolling for kokes

Some things never change - like the wheel. It's still round, works fine. No need to re-invent. Same for trolling cowbells for kokanee salmon.

American flags and automatic bear traps

What a great week on the North Fork. The Fourth of July parade was a big success, with some resident-created floats, lots of American flags and handsome kids on unicycles leading the whole thing.

Recalling the 1948 firemen's ball

Columbia Falls Volunteer Firemen have always been successful, whether fund raising or fighting fires. St. Patrick's Day balls were traditional and memorable events raising funds for the department for many years.

Luella McFadden

A memorial service for Luella Mae (Flint) McFadden will take place at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish on Friday, July 15, beginning at 11 a.m. A potluck will follow. Luella died at her Columbia Falls home on Dec. 26, 2010.

Wilderness travel hampered by snow

This spring's record snowpack has put a crimp in river fishing and wilderness travel, although things are beginning to improve day by day.

Sharon Webb

Sharon Ann Webb, 67, passed away on July 1, 2011, after a long and courageous battle with the complications of diabetes.

Outdoor news

Glacier National Park Fund will host Friday hikes in Glacier National Park through Sept. 16. Participants will learn about Park accomplishments supported by GNPF donors and partners and learn about upcoming events and activities. A hiking schedule is available online at www.glaciernationalparkfund.org. To sign up, e-mail kelly@glacierfund.org or call 892-3250.

Jonkel to give talk on bears

Chuck Jonkel, founder of the Great Bear Foundation, will teach a special program, "Honoring the Great Bear: The Life and Works of Chuck Jonkel," on Thursday, July 28. Jonkel has been teaching bear classes for the Glacier Institute every year since 1983.

Bus boy, trail crew, ranger, science chief

Some people retire from jobs at Glacier National Park and never return. Jack Potter retired late this spring and almost immediately found himself back in the Park volunteering at the Belly River ranger station with his wife Rachel.

Glacier's Discovery Cabin a great place for kids

Maybe you'd like to see a grizzly bear skull or feel a wolf pelt or learn more about Glacier National Park's natural history.

Logan Pass open to motor vehicles

Glacier National Park opened the entire 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road to vehicle traffic today, Wednesday, July 13.

Three arrested following armed home-invasion

An investigation of an armed home-invasion and robbery in Happy Valley has led to the arrest of three men and the discovery of a heroin trafficking and money counterfeiting operation with ties to Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

Laura Bush to visit the Park

Former First Lady Laura Bush will visit Glacier National Park this week, capping off her stay with a fundraiser appearance at the Lake McDonald Lodge on Friday afternoon.

Candidate is C-Falls booster

Saying she wants to give the younger demographic in Columbia Falls a voice in local government, Sammi Johnson joins five other candidates in this year's city council election.

Columbia Falls Clinic has a new home

The Columbia Falls Clinic is open for business in a new 8,021-square-foot building on the U.S. 2 strip.

Fire union won't negotiate contract

Yesterdays

60 Years Ago

School news

Kate Marcille was recently selected for a 2011-2012 graduate fellowship in forest management and policy at Oregon State University. She also received a $3,000 Alfred Moltke Scholarship. Marcille graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 2006 and from the University of Montana-Missoula in 2010 with degrees in economics and environmental studies. She is currently working at the Rocky Mountain Research Station, in Missoula.

White is new chief of staff

Dr. Elizabeth White became the 2011-2012 hospital chief of staff at North Valley Hospital beginning July 1.

Community news

The Dave Lawrence Orchestra will perform at Marantette Park on Thursday, July 14, beginning at 6 p.m. as part of the Columbia Falls Lions Club's summer concert series. Donations of $3 per person or $5 per family are suggested. In event of rain, the concert will be held at the St. Richard's Catholic Church, on the U.S. 2 strip.

Irony of fireworks

As I laid in bed awake last night from 1-3 a.m. listening to my neighbors ignite various fireworks in the street, I found myself thinking about our beloved Independence Day holiday.

Fond memories of library

My family moved to Whitefish when I was 6 years old back in 1969. The first day we arrived in Whitefish my  mom took my sister and I to the Whitefish City Library when it was in the old City Hall.

Cell phone users public ememy No. 1

While driving the streets of Whitefish I can, should I choose, do any of the following: make a sandwich, eat that sandwich, read this newspaper, apply makeup, shave, and allow my dog to roam anywhere in the car, including my lap.

Tony Hernandez

James E. Weaver

Lint brushes, fake trees declared taxable items

Community Center gets extreme makeover

Home invasion linked to heroin

Livingstone taps Zinke as running mate

Tour showcases local gardens

Credit union teller sentenced

A woman who allegedly stole money from Whitefish Credit Union's branch in Polson for about 10 years was sentenced to jail last week.

Lakers nip Twins in marathon game

Commissioner's campaign complaint dismissed

A complaint brought by former Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman against the property rights group American Dream Montana was dismissed last week by the state Commissioner of Political Practices.

Four locals named from federal marijuana raids

Meanwhile advocacy group presents case in Kalispell

Logan Pass will open to motor vehicles July 13

Glacier National Park officials announced July 7 that the entire 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is anticipated to be available for vehicle traffic on Wednesday, July 13.

Sun Road to open July 13

The entire 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is anticipated to be available for vehicle traffic on Wednesday, July 13.

Nelson inducted to coaches hall of fame

Giant 'vacuum' to help clean river

Six candidates file for council race

City-run library opens its doors

Car break-ins reported

Cats take second at home meet

The Columbia Falls swim team did well at its home meet last week, taking second to a Bitterroot team with 25 more swimmers in the water.

Glacier Babe Ruth win tourney

The Glacier Babe Ruth 13U team recently won the Kalispell Invitational. Left to right, back row, coach Blair  LaGrandeur, Jonny Sapa, Jesse Walburn, AJ Wetsch, Jed Nagler, Colten Parker, Tyler Murphy and Coach Brent Wetsch; front row, Greyson Bistadeau, Brooks Krause, Chris Park, Tristin Steinwand, Erick Franklund and Sean Hoerner. Not shown are Ethan Lockwood and Matt LaGrandeur.

Twins win two against Calgary

The Glacier Twins picked up consecutive Legion AA baseball wins against the Calgary Redbirds at home June 29-30 after scoring 25 runs in the series. The sweep snapped a four-game losing streak for the Twins as they look to make a late-season push for the playoffs.

McCubbins is coach of the year

Columbia Falls native Patrick McCubbins was recently named the Goodyear, Ariz., region coach of the year for leading the Estrella High School varsity program to the 3A championship.

Surviving the Fourth up the North Fork

The North Fork is one of my favorite places to go. Quiet, wild, dusty and population free. I must have forgotten it was the weekend of the Fourth.

The value of columnists

Last Monday was Fourth of July for 2011. It sneaked up on me and I didn't get a column done, so dug in the files. Found one from 1993 that is short and full of hyperbole. Dave Barry and I are not meanies. We're just a couple of kindly guys who sometimes have fun at politicians' expense. Surely that is a forgivable weakness:

North Fork saddened by losses

Earlier in the year, the North Fork was saddened by the passing of Ruth Sondreson, who lived here for many years and was instrumental in the formation of the North Fork Improvement Association and the building of the Community Hall - named in honor of Ruth and her husband Lloyd years ago.

Need to change state's traditional timber cycle

As the new executive vice-president of the Montana Wood Products Association, I have been traveling around Montana and Idaho visiting member companies, touring facilities and visiting about issues and concerns.

Hungry Horse Dam started with a bang

July 10, an important day back in 1948, is probably long forgotten. It was date for official start of the multipurpose Hungry Horse Dam. Montana Gov. Samuel Ford set off the charge from the vista point at the end of the upper access road overlooking the dam site. Explosion occurred near the river level 500 feet below on the left bank.

Spin-fishing for trout

With Flathead Valley river levels high and yo-yo-ing, anglers who want to catch trout are heading for lakes. And while fly fishermen certainly catch their share of fish, spin fishermen can also share in the bounty of Montana's trout.

Cindy Hauer

Cindy Hauer, 66, died in her sleep at her home in Hungry Horse on June 28, 2011, after a long struggle with emphysema.

Nancy Kreber

Nancy Ann Kreber, 56 of Columbia Falls, passed away June 28, 2011, at her home in Columbia Falls.

Frances Hawk

Frances Duane Hawk, 78, died June 29, 2011.

Sandra Thomson

Sandra Perrine Elliott Thomson passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her closest friends, on June 24, 2011, after a courageous 6 1/2 year battle with cancer.

Resort will use Chair 2 for scenic Big Mtn. lift ride

With the closure of Chair 1 due to a leaning tower, Whitefish Mountain Resort is running Chair 2 for its Scenic Lift Ride attraction.

Outdoor news

The Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead will hold its monthly gathering at Rebecca Farms pavilion on Tuesday, July 12, at 6:30 p.m. with a short meeting followed by a potluck supper. The meeting is open to the public. The Back Country Horsemen is a volunteer organization dedicated to protecting stockowners' use of wilderness and backcountry trails, education of horse owners on Leave-No-Trace principles and support to back country agencies. For more information, call 212-8107.

Flood threat reduced, Sperry Chalet damage extensive

A warm dry week lies ahead and with each passing day the threat of flooding is diminishing.

Park snow plowing crews reach Logan Pass

Glacier National Park's Logan Pass is still socked in with snow, and this year will mark one of the latest openings of the entire length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road ever.

Cancer was just the beginning

Before waking up in a hospital bed with a bag attached to her colon and an extra 90 pounds of fluid in her body, the last thing Columbia Falls Relay for Life chairwoman Dina Wood said she remembers is lying on the bathroom floor. She woke up 11 days later after her husband checked her into the hospital.

Century-old flower garden blooms in C-Falls

When Barb Wallace sits out on her porch, she sees a beautiful history. The oriental poppies waving in the wind were planted by her grandfather more than 100 years ago.

GPI purchases St. Mary Lodge

Glacier Park Inc. has purchased the St. Mary Lodge and Resort for $16 million cash, the company announced last week. The deal was finalized June 29.

C-Falls has a six-way race now

Six candidates registered at the last minute for the three Columbia Falls City Council positions up for election this year.

Community news

Saxofun, a saxophone group, will perform ragtime music at Marantette Park on Thursday, July 7, beginning at 6 p.m. as part of the Columbia Falls Lions Club's summer concert series. Left Over Biscuits will perform bluegrass at 7 p.m. Donations of $3 per person or $5 per family are suggested. In event of rain, the concert will be held at the St. Richard's Catholic Church, on the U.S. 2 strip.

School news

Laura Burgess, of Columbia Falls, was named to the spring semester dean's list at the University of Mary, in Bismarck, N.D.

Freedom 5K draws larger-than-expected crowd for inaugural race

Bigfork Relay for Life set for July 15

Cancer never sleeps, and on the night of July 15, neither will the crowd of survivors, volunteers and team members participating in the annual Bigfork Relay for Life.

Dayton students visit Bigfork ranch

School may be out, but 38 fortunate kids from Dayton Elementary School have many fond memories to carry them through their summer vacations, and perhaps the rest of their lives.

Understanding workers' compensation key to containing costs for small businesses

As the economy slowly continues to turn, small business owners in Montana, and across the country, remain concerned about controlling costs and minimizing risks.

Understanding workers' compensation key for small businesses

As the economy slowly continues to turn, small business owners in Montana, and across the country, remain concerned about controlling costs and minimizing risks.

BLUAC adds new member, elects officers

Despite a lack of interest in two open committee positions, the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee was able to add one new member at its June 30 meeting.

Volunteers pack boxes for troops

Muffin Vallely has organized the mailing of care packages to United States troops for the last eight years, and as she and a crowd of volunteers prepared to make the first shipment of 2011, Vallely showed no signs of slowing down.

Gastel retires after 28 years at Bigfork schools

For most mothers, picking up after their own children for 18 years is enough cause for complaint.

Dayton Presbyterian Church celebrates centennial

Dayton Presbyterian Church’s centennial celebration, held last Saturday on the church’s front lawn, did little to emphasize the passing of 100 years.

Resort scraps part of Glades subdivision

Judge blocks key medical marijuana reforms

A district court judge in Helena granted a preliminary injunction that blocks four key provisions in Montana's new medical marijuana law, which went into effect on July 1.